Central Java Prepares Services and Strict Monitoring to Attract Mudik Travelers in 2026
Central Java is predicted to be the primary destination for travelers during the 2026 Lebaran holiday. Based on the latest data, approximately 38.71 million people are expected to return to their hometowns in Central Java for Eid al-Fitr.
The Head of the Central Java Transportation Department, Arief Djatmiko, stated that this figure is based on a national survey from the Transportation Policy Agency (BKT) of the Ministry of Transportation. Internally, the Central Java Transportation Department projects that around 17.7 million people will pass through and stay in the province led by Governor Ahmad Luthfi.
“The number of people entering Central Java is quite large. Nationally, more than 40% of travelers are heading to Central Java,” said Arief during the “Jateng Bicara” program on Jateng Radio, Banyumanik, Thursday (February 26).
To anticipate the massive surge in traffic, the Central Java Provincial Government has prepared mitigation measures through the operation of Lebaran command posts. These posts will be operational from H-8 (March 13) to H+7 (March 30, 2026).
The peak of the mudik (exodus) is predicted to occur on March 14 and March 17, 2026. Officers will conduct intensive 24-hour monitoring to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on main and alternative routes.
The Central Java Transportation Department will monitor traffic through online CCTV at several critical points that are expected to experience high congestion, including:
In addition to vehicle congestion, remote sensing devices will also be used to monitor weather conditions. This is important because rainfall in several areas of Central Java is predicted to be high during the March 2026 mudik period.
In response to the decline in asphalt quality due to extreme weather, the Central Java Transportation Department is coordinating with the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (DPUPR) to ensure the stability of provincial roads. Repair work is being expedited to ensure that the mudik routes are safe to use.
On the other hand, vehicle safety inspections or ramp checks will be carried out strictly. Vehicles found to be unfit for use will not be allowed to operate to prevent traffic accidents.
“Ramp checks will be carried out H-1 before departure. If the inspection reveals that the vehicle is not in good condition, it will not be allowed to operate,” Arief emphasized.
Based on the official release from the Ministry of Transportation, the following is a map of the movement of travelers nationally:
The most dominant mode of transportation used is private cars (76.24 million people), followed by motorcycles (24.08 million people), and buses (23.34 million people). Most private car users choose toll roads, while motorcycle users tend to use alternative non-main routes.
The government appeals to travelers to prioritize safety. “If using private vehicles, prepare your physical health and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. Always obey traffic rules,” Arief concluded.
The construction of roads in preparation for the Lebaran mudik in Central Java is continuing.
The Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, emphasized four important factors that determine the success of the 2026 Lebaran transportation operation.
The movement of people during the 2026 Lebaran transportation period is predicted to be 50.60% of the population, or 143.91 million people.
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