Central Java Prepares Local One-Way System to Anticipate Toll Road Congestion During Eid Holiday Rush
Central Java Regional Police (Polda) are preparing various measures to anticipate traffic congestion on toll roads during the 2026 Eid holiday peak travel period.
The peak exodus is estimated to begin on 18 March 2026, with traffic congestion expected from kilometre 70 of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road through to kilometre 421 of the Semarang-Solo toll road.
“We are implementing a local one-way system if congestion occurs in the Semarang city area, extending to the Bawen direction,” said the Traffic Director of Central Java’s Regional Police, Brigadier M Pratama Adhyasastra.
Authorities have developed multiple scenarios to manage traffic density at the Kalikangkung toll gate in Semarang. Under normal conditions with traffic below 2,000 vehicles per hour, the gate will operate normally with standard personnel on duty. When vehicle volume reaches 3,000 per hour, seven satellite booths and patrol officers will be deployed to manage the surge.
In emergency conditions—where traffic exceeds 3,000 vehicles per hour for three consecutive hours with speeds below 20 km/h—authorities will implement the local one-way system, with officers awaiting instructions from the Traffic Director. The one-way operation is designed to divert traffic from kilometre 422 to kilometre 442 near Bawen.
PT Jasamarga Semarang Batang’s general director, Nasrullah, projects the peak exodus will occur on 18 March 2026, with the return traffic peak on 24 March 2026. From 10 days before to 15 March (six days before the peak), traffic heading toward Semarang at the Kalikangkung toll gate has already increased 45.58% above normal levels.
At the peak of the exodus, approximately 68,900 vehicles per day are projected to pass through the Kalikangkung toll gate heading to Semarang, whilst return traffic on 24 March is projected at 73,900 vehicles.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo praised the readiness efforts by the Kalikangkung Integrated Post, noting that collaboration between the Central Java provincial government, the regional police, and Jasamarga has been well prepared. He highlighted innovations including local and national one-way systems, as well as Sipolan—a new rapid response mechanism complementing the existing emergency hotline 110.
Central Java’s Regional Secretary, Sumarno, commended the police force’s innovations in serving holidaymakers, emphasising safety and hospitality. He expressed hope that through these initiatives, the reception of returning residents would be smoother and superior to previous years.
On Monday 16 March, the number of travellers entering Central Java through the Trans-Java toll road continued to increase from Sunday 15 March, with an average of 1,400-1,900 vehicles entering Semarang daily.