Jakarta Traffic Congestion Times Shift During Ramadan — Here Are the Hours to Watch

Jakarta — Traffic movement patterns in Jakarta and its surrounding areas are predicted to change during the holy month of Ramadan. The Traffic Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) has begun mapping potential congestion points, particularly during morning and afternoon hours.

Head of Operations at the Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya, Police Commissioner Robby Hefados, disclosed that his team is still conducting analysis and predictions regarding public mobility during the fasting month.

“Most likely, regarding public movement during the fasting month, particularly during Ramadan, we are still carrying out analysis and predictions. Specifically in the morning, with the government’s policy of implementing work-from-anywhere (WFA) activities, as well as office activities starting later, the movement of traffic is likely to peak between 9am and 10am in the morning,” he said on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

This means that whilst congestion typically occurs earlier, morning traffic flows during Ramadan are expected to shift slightly later. The WFA policy and later office start times are the key factors driving this change in patterns.

Meanwhile, a surge in vehicles is predicted to occur earlier in the afternoon. Members of the public wishing to break their fast with family are expected to trigger an increase in traffic flow.

“As for the afternoon, it is most likely that because many people want to break their fast together with their families, there will probably be an increase in vehicles heading towards Bekasi and the southern areas from around 2pm or 3pm. Therefore, during this fasting month, we will endeavour to be quicker in managing traffic flow and adjusting to public movement patterns,” he said.

Areas heading towards Bekasi and south Jakarta are identified as likely to experience earlier congestion. In anticipation, Polda Metro Jaya is preparing a more responsive traffic management strategy for Ramadan. Officers will adjust security and traffic management arrangements on the ground in line with the dynamics of public movement.