Government accelerates pothole-free roadworks on Pantura and Trans Java toll ahead of Lebaran exodus
Jakarta – The Indonesian government is accelerating road infrastructure improvements on strategically important routes including the Pantura (North Coast) highway and Trans Java toll network to serve as primary corridors for the Lebaran holiday exodus.
The Presidential Communication Office (Bakom) stated in Jakarta on Sunday that this initiative follows high vehicle mobility, particularly in the Java corridor which serves as the main pathway for public movement during peak travel periods.
On the western Pantura route, the Ministry of Public Works through the National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN) of DKI–West Java is expediting pothole repairs on national road sections. Repair efforts are focused on ensuring road conditions are ready to withstand the surge in vehicle traffic during peak Lebaran exodus.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that pothole treatment is the top priority and is targeted for completion before peak exodus. Based on the latest report, the number of recorded potholes has fallen significantly from approximately 7,000 to 2,500.
“There were about 7,000 potholes reported, now it has dropped drastically to 2,500. We ensure that before the exodus, almost all will be pothole-free,” stated Dody.
In the short term, repairs are conducted through patching methods to maintain traffic flow. For the medium term, the Ministry of Public Works is preparing overlay resurfacing and upgrading construction to rigid pavement or concrete at several critical points to optimise road durability.
Similar attention is being given to the Pemalang–Pekalongan section, which is an important part of the strategic Pantura corridor. This section is known for high vehicle mobility, particularly logistics vehicles and public transport.
“The Pemalang–Pekalongan section must be ensured in stable and safe condition for the public before Eid. This acceleration is a form of government commitment to providing reliable infrastructure services, particularly on high-mobility routes such as Pantura,” said Dody.
Preservation work on this section includes road structure improvements at several priority segments. By late February 2026, physical progress had reached 78.89 per cent, exceeding the planned target of 37.66 per cent.
Beyond national roads, maintenance is also being conducted on the main Trans Java toll route. PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT) is strengthening regular maintenance on the Jakarta–Cikampek toll section as an anticipatory measure for the Lebaran 2026 exodus and return journeys.
On 26 February 2026, JTT completed patching work at 172 locations on Lane A towards Cikampek, from KM 07+500 to KM 71+850. Maintenance is also planned at 82 locations on Lane B towards Jakarta, from KM 71+300 to KM 19+315, including treatment at the Cikarang Timur Off Ramp.
Beyond patching, road reconstruction is also being conducted at the Dry Port Off Ramp lane 2 from 27 February to 2 March 2026. This step is taken to ensure pavement structure remains reliable, particularly in areas with high traffic loads.
Through accelerated improvements on the Pantura route and Trans Java toll, the government hopes the Lebaran 2026 holiday journey can proceed more smoothly, safely, and comfortably for millions of holiday travellers returning to their hometowns.