Central Java Governor Urges Returnees Not to Rush Back
Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has urged returnees not to rush back, in line with the work from anywhere (WFA) policy, to prevent the Eid 2026 return traffic from concentrating at one time.
“We hope the public does not rush and can make use of the remaining travel time available,” he said while accompanying National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo in opening the one-way return route for Eid 2026 at the Kalikangkung Toll Gate (GT), Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday.
He mentioned that the number of vehicles entering Central Java during the Eid 2026 homecoming reached 1,795,522 units, while those exiting numbered 1,099,049 units.
During the return flow period, he said, only around 153,136 vehicles have returned so far.
“This means there are still those who have not returned,” said the former Central Java Police Chief.
For this reason, he urged returnees to take advantage of the WFA policy in effect on 25, 26, and 27 March 2026.
Regarding the condition of road infrastructure in Central Java, he claimed it is in good condition and has not caused significant complaints from the public, with traffic accidents decreasing.
“This shows that it is not only the road factor, but also the public’s awareness in traffic is improving,” he said.
In addition, he assured that the availability of staple goods and energy in Central Java is monitored as safe and controlled, both in terms of stock and price affordability.
Luthfi also emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between the central government, regional authorities, TNI-Polri, especially the public, in successfully managing the Eid homecoming and return flows.
With these various measures, he hopes the Eid 2026 return flow can proceed smoothly, safely, and under control until all the public return to their respective destinations.
The National Police Chief officially implemented the one-way Eid 2026 return flow from the Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Semarang to anticipate the surge in return vehicles, which is estimated to peak on Tuesday.
Also present were three ministers, namely the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Pratikno, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
The National Police Chief stated that up to 24 March, 2,380,401 vehicles had exited Jakarta via toll roads, and with the increasing return flow, traffic engineering has been upgraded from local one-way to national one-way.