Five Days Before Eid al-Fitr, Motorcyclists Begin Filling Kalimalang Main Road
Jakarta – Motorcyclists using two-wheelers have begun filling Jalan Raya Kalimalang in East Jakarta five days before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/Lebaran 2026.
Hundreds of homebound travellers using this route are heading towards various regions in West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
“It’s usual to pass through this route when going home. Since there are still five days left, I’m going back early so it won’t be too congested when it gets closer to Eid,” said one motorcyclist, Setya (32), on Jalan Raya Kalimalang in East Jakarta on Monday evening.
Observations along Jalan Raya Kalimalang show that vehicle traffic is dominated by motorcycles carrying various mudik (homebound travel) equipment. Several travellers were seen carrying large bags, sacks, and cardboard boxes secured to the back of their vehicles.
Aside from motorcycles, several travel vans and private vehicles were also observed passing through carrying homebound passengers. Some private cars appeared to be loaded with baggage, such as suitcases and cardboard boxes tied to the vehicle roof using safety ropes.
Traffic congestion began building at several points along Jalan Raya Kalimalang. Traffic flow appeared busy and occasionally slowed due to increased vehicle volume heading towards Bekasi and the northern coastal route.
Although lengthy traffic jams had not yet occurred, queues of vehicles were occasionally visible, particularly when groups of homebound travellers passed simultaneously. Additionally, night-time travel was considered more comfortable due to cooler temperatures compared with daytime.
“I’m going to Pemalang. I’m departing at night so it’s cooler and usually the road is smoother. If I go during the day it’s very hot, and if I go in the afternoon there’s often rain,” said Setya.
Setya stated that the journey to Pemalang was estimated to take approximately nine hours by motorcycle. He also planned to stop several times at rest areas or roadside food stalls to rest.
“The journey is about nine hours if traffic is smooth. I’ll definitely stop a few times to rest and eat so I won’t be too tired on the road,” said Setya.
“This year I’m going back with my wife and child. I’m probably taking it easy because I have my child and wife, so I’m not pushing for a fast journey,” said Zaka.
Zaka said he was concerned about having to travel closer to Eid al-Fitr. Beyond traffic congestion, he also had to consider the condition of his child, who is only three years old.
“There are many considerations, so I’m heading back now. I bring jackets for my child and wife, and don’t bring too many items so we won’t get too tired either. I usually find this route comfortable,” said Zaka.
A procession of vehicles stretching along the road indicated a continuous flow of homebound travellers. Jalan Raya Kalimalang has become one of the favourite routes for motorcyclists heading from Jakarta towards the Bekasi and Karawang regions and the northern coastal route.
This route is often chosen because it is considered more easily accessible and serves as an alternative to other main routes. As Eid al-Fitr approaches, the number of homebound travellers passing through Jalan Raya Kalimalang is estimated to continue increasing in the coming days.