Jakarta-Merak Toll Road Repairs Accelerated, Traffic Disrupted

Road repair works on the Jakarta-Merak toll road continue to be accelerated four days before Idulfitri 2026, with several damaged sections being addressed to ensure smooth traffic flow during the holiday exodus.

Field observations show repair activities at multiple locations, particularly on sections suffering from cracks and potholes. At Km 12 Karang Tengah in Tangerang, for example, crews are conducting patching and resurfacing work to ensure safer passage for returning travellers.

The repair activities have resulted in lane narrowing at several points. This condition has triggered significant traffic congestion from Km 3 of the Jakarta-Merak toll road.

Field personnel have installed warning signs and implemented traffic management measures to minimise congestion. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and remain vigilant when passing through repair areas.

The toll operator targets completion of all work before the peak exodus period, enabling smoother and safer travel for returning travellers.

However, the ongoing construction amid increasing vehicle volumes has caused substantial traffic congestion on routes from Jakarta towards Tangerang.

One motorist, Prima Putra, reported that congestion had begun in the Kebon Jeruk area, predominantly due to private vehicles.

“The traffic jam is quite long. I thought there had been an accident, but it turned out to be road repairs,” said Prima on Wednesday, 18 March.

Similarly, Yusi, a traveller bound for Padang, West Sumatra, reported that despite deliberately departing in the evening to avoid congestion, she remained stuck in traffic.

“I intended to travel at night to avoid the jam, but still got caught in congestion due to toll road repairs,” Yusi said.