Coordinating Minister AHY ensures infrastructure is ready to handle Eid exodus surge
Jakarta — Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has assured that national infrastructure is prepared to manage the surge of travellers during the Eid exodus and return journeys for Eid 2026.
“The infrastructure used during this year’s Eid exodus and return surge is indeed a priority for us,” said Agus after launching a free travel programme called “GoMudik: Pasti Ada Jalan Silaturahmi di Kampung Halaman” (There’s Always a Road for Family Visits Home) at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal in East Jakarta on Friday.
The government has worked intensively over the past month to ensure that land, sea, and air transport routes can be used safely and smoothly by the public. Agus explained that the government’s primary focus is on road conditions that serve as main routes for travellers heading home.
Through coordination with the Ministry of Public Works, various road improvements and quality enhancements are being continuously carried out, particularly on primary routes and arterial roads. “The infrastructure used during this exodus and return period has been our focus over the past month. The Ministry of Public Works is carrying out road improvements on both main routes and arterial roads that will take returning travellers to various districts and cities throughout Java and parts of Sumatra,” Agus said.
Given the potential for extreme weather, the government has identified various risks, including flooding, tidal flooding, and infrastructure damage from heavy rain. As a mitigation measure, the government has prepared a special emergency response unit, or Disaster Relief Unit (DRU), that is ready to mobilise quickly if infrastructure is damaged due to disasters. This unit is tasked with conducting emergency repairs so that transport routes can be restored for use as quickly as possible.
The government has also coordinated with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure the readiness of all transport modes during the Eid exodus period. Beyond land transport, the government is also ensuring the readiness of railway services, maritime vessels, and flights. “Transportation has ensured that all transport modes are ready for use, whether on roads, railways, ships, or aircraft. Even their capacity has been increased, including seating capacity, so that it can accommodate millions of people who will be travelling,” said Agus.
Furthermore, the government has mapped out the anticipated peak periods of the Eid exodus and return journeys this year. To reduce travel congestion during the same timeframe, the government has reintroduced flexible working policies for several government institutions and companies. These policies include Work From Anywhere (WFA) or Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA), which allow workers to continue performing their duties without having to be in the office.
According to AHY, this policy has proven effective in reducing mobility congestion during previous extended holidays, including during last year’s Eid exodus and the Christmas and New Year holidays. “With this policy, not everyone has to leave the city or travel at the same time. This strategy has proven effective during previous Eid exoduses and during Christmas and New Year holidays,” said Agus.
He expressed hope that these various preparatory measures will ensure that the public’s journey home during the Eid period is safe, comfortable, and smooth, whilst minimising potential disruptions on transport routes during the Eid period.