Gentong Route Congested for 4 KM, Police Implement One-Way System for 2026 Eid Exodus

Traffic flow during the 2026 Eid exodus on the national arterial route connecting Bandung to Tasikmalaya showed a significant escalation on H-3 before Eid, Wednesday (18/3/2026). Vehicle density was reported to have queued up to 4 kilometres long in the Lingkar Gentong area, Tasikmalaya Regency.

This increase in vehicle volume was dominated by private two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles moving from the west (Jakarta/Bandung) towards eastern regions such as Ciamis, Central Java, and East Java. Based on data from the security post, more than 52,000 vehicles had passed through the route by Wednesday night.

In response to the congestion, the Tasikmalaya City Police Traffic Unit took discretionary measures by implementing a one-way system. This traffic engineering was focused on crucial points at the Pamoyanan junction, Suryalaya to Ciawi.

The Head of Traffic at Tasikmalaya City Police, AKP Riki Kustiawan, explained that the one-way system had been applied twice to clear the vehicle buildup from the Bandung direction.

“The Eid exodus flow from Bandung to Tasikmalaya experienced a sharp increase in volume. We immediately implemented the one-way system at Pamoyanan conditionally to ensure wheels keep turning,” said AKP Riki Kustiawan at the location.

The police predict that the peak of the 2026 exodus will be divided into two main waves, namely on H-3 (Wednesday) and H-2 (Thursday). This is due to the pattern of joint leave that gives the public more flexible time to return to their hometowns.

AKP Riki added that up to now, around 28,000 vehicles have been recorded passing specifically at the Upper Gentong PAM Post heading east. This number is expected to continue increasing as many travellers choose to journey at night to avoid the hot weather.

Considering the characteristics of the Gentong route with its steep inclines and sharp bends (such as the Gentong U-turn), travellers are urged to remain vigilant. In addition to vehicle mechanical risks, the lack of lighting at some points on the Lingkar Gentong route also poses a challenge for drivers at night.

“We ask that travellers remain patient and comply with instructions from officers on the ground. If feeling tired, do not force yourself. Please utilise the available rest posts for everyone’s safety,” concluded AKP Riki. (H-3)