JJLS Curve 23 Trial Ends Tonight; Traffic Congestion Observed

The trial of Curve 23, which connects Bantul and Gunungkidul, ended tonight. However, a large number of motorists were observed queuing at the location.

Monitoring at the Kretek four-way intersection at 6:45 PM WIB on Sunday (20/09/2026) showed motor vehicles queuing to enter Curve 23. However, not all were able to enter.

This was because officers had already closed the flow of traffic from Bantul towards Curve 23. Many motor vehicles were seen heading north and west from the curve.

Officers were also seen managing traffic from Curve 23 towards the west and north. At this time, the flow from Bantul to Curve 23 had been closed, with the road closure implemented starting from 6:00 PM WIB.

“It was closed starting at 6:00 PM WIB. We are currently managing the exit of visitors who entered earlier,” said the Kretek Police Chief, AKP Joko Mulyorkan, to reporters tonight.

Officers at the location were also dispersing motorists attempting to exit Curve 23 via the Kretek four-way intersection. This was done to allow officers to fully close the entry route to Curve 23.

“The entry was closed at 6:00 PM. Currently, we are still directing those who are exiting from the upper section to head home to their respective destinations,” he added.

Joko admitted he does not yet know when Curve 23 will reopen, as officers are still conducting an evaluation regarding the results of the trial.

“Today is the final day of the trial; it will be closed again tomorrow. This is because an evaluation by the relevant department will be conducted following the seven-day trial period,” he said.

It was previously reported that the Head of the DIY PJN Work Unit, Tisara Sita, stated that safety and comfort for road users are the primary concerns during the Curve 23 trial. Therefore, during the trial open traffic period, the route would not be operational 24 hours a day.

“The Curve 23 trial was conducted for seven days, from 14 to 20 September 2026. The trial operated from 06:00 to 18:00 WIB, and the permitted vehicles were motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles,” Tisara stated recently.

Tisara continued, noting that heavy vehicles were temporarily not permitted to pass. This restriction was implemented considering that roadwork is still ongoing, posing a risk to large vehicles.

“This restriction is part of our effort to ensure the safety of both road users and the workers still performing duties in the field,” she said.