Impact of Trans-Java Toll Road: Brebes Salted Egg SMEs Stagnate

The shift in travel patterns for holidaymakers since the Trans-Java toll road became operational has had a significant impact on salted egg businesses in Brebes, Central Java. The increased vehicle flow on the toll road has made the Pantura route much quieter, affecting local economic activities, particularly for salted egg traders who have long depended on visits from holidaymakers. One trader, Nanda, who has been selling for about 30 years, recounted that the souvenir centre in the Pantura area is now far emptier than before the toll road. “In the past, from one end to the other, everything was selling salted eggs. Now, only four kiosks remain,” she said on Friday (20/3/2026). That situation has actually brought blessings to the traders, as the stalled vehicle flow causes many people to stop and buy souvenirs. “In the past, after Eid, it was completely jammed, busy day and night. Now, you can sleep in the middle of the road, it’s so quiet,” Nanda said. A 2019 study by Diponegoro University also showed a similar trend, with the average daily sales volume of salted eggs in Brebes dropping from around 9,000 eggs to 3,000 eggs after the Trans-Java toll road opened. Unlike small traders, larger-scale businesses have managed to adapt and even recorded sales increases. One such is Toko Telor Asin Bakar Yes. Its owner, Dhani Bagus Purnama, revealed that their shop has experienced a surge in demand ahead of Eid. “On normal days, around 5,000 eggs per day. Ahead of Eid, it can reach 10,000 to 15,000 eggs,” he said. Dhani explained that adaptation is key. In addition to selling boiled and grilled salted eggs, they also offer various processed products like salted egg sauce and ready-to-eat foods to attract buyers seeking variety in souvenirs. Their preparations are done well in advance, from selecting raw materials, improving production quality, to ensuring workforce readiness to meet high demand during peak mudik and return flows. To reach holidaymakers who no longer pass through Pantura, they have also opened branches in toll road rest areas and strengthened online marketing. “Besides here, we also open in rest areas and online, so we can still reach buyers,” he said.