Farewell to Bawen Traffic Jams! Functional Ambarawa Toll Road Opens Free from 13 March

AMBARAWA — For years, the Bawen intersection in Semarang Regency, Central Java, has been a source of dread for motorists. Vehicle crossings combined with steep road gradients have frequently triggered massive slowdowns and lengthy traffic jams.

Consequently, the opening of the Jogja-Bawen Toll Road’s Bawen-Ambarawa segment, set to become operational during the 2026 Lebaran holiday exodus, is expected to relieve vehicle congestion.

AJ Dwi Winarsa, Chief Executive of Jasamarga Jogja Bawen (JJB), projects that of the approximately 18,000 vehicles that daily traverse the Bawen junction, around 7,000 vehicles per day will shift to using this functional thoroughfare.

The strategy effectively redirects commuter and tourist traffic directly towards the Ambarawa Ring Road without becoming trapped at the notorious downhill Bawen congestion point or Ambarawa Terminal.

“In this way, travel time efficiency becomes the primary commodity offered during this Lebaran exodus,” Dwi Winarsa said in remarks to Kompas.com on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Although it provides a solution, the functional status brings operational constraints. The route will only be open from 6 AM to 5 PM, subject to several technical considerations.

These include the incomplete installation of street lighting infrastructure.

This functional route will be activated from 13 March 2026, complete with traffic service readiness including ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams.

“Given that road conditions are not yet 100 per cent complete, operational hour restrictions are implemented solely to minimise accident risks when visibility is reduced,” Dwi Winarsa stated.

The Jogja-Bawen Toll Road project represents a substantial investment worth Rp 18 trillion. As of the first quarter of 2026, construction realisation has reached approximately Rp 7 trillion, or one-third of total funding requirements.

Current construction efforts are focused at both ends: Section 1 Sleman-Banyurejo and Section 6 Ambarawa-Bawen.