Karawang Police: Peak of Second Wave Return Traffic on 29 March 2026
The return flow of Lebaran Idulfitri 1447 H on H+7 along the Pantura arterial route in Karawang, specifically at Simpang Jomin, Cikampek, Karawang Regency, West Java, was observed to be busy but smooth on Friday (27/3). The Karawang Police stated that the peak of the second wave return traffic is estimated to occur on 29 March 2026.
Karawang Police Chief, AKBP Fiki Novian Ardiansyah, revealed that the peak of the second wave return traffic is predicted to happen on 29 March 2026. “The potential for the second return traffic peak is forecast for Saturday and Sunday evenings. The volume of vehicles passing through Karawang will be quite large,” said the Police Chief.
The Police Chief stated that this prediction is supported by traffic counting data from the Karawang Police, which currently shows around 200,000 vehicles of returnees yet to head back to the Jabodetabek area.
This number has the potential to trigger congestion at several critical points, both on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road and the Pantura arterial route in Karawang.
“Even though the first return traffic peak occurred on 24 March, the potential for congestion still looms in the coming days,” he explained.
The Police Chief reminded drivers to remain alert and careful in choosing their travel times. “Vulnerable points are on the Japek Toll and the Karawang arterial route. Drivers are asked to wisely select their travel times,” he emphasised.
To anticipate the vehicle surge, security measures continue through the Enhanced Routine Activities (KRYD) until Sunday night at 23:59 WIB.
Additionally, traffic arrangements such as contra-flow and one-way systems will be implemented situationally. The police encourage the public to utilise alternative routes, including the Japek II South Toll Road, to ease congestion on the main route.
The government, together with Jasa Marga, urges returnees to schedule their homeward journeys to avoid congestion during the 2026 Lebaran return peak, and to take advantage of the 30% toll discount.
Based on data from the Lebaran Transport Post for the period 22 March to 25 March 2026 at 14:00 WIB (H to H+3), the number of passengers returning to Java has only reached 36.4% of the total holidaymakers.
Lebaran 2026 accident fatalities have dropped 28%, but motorcycle accidents and driver fatigue remain major threats during the outbound and return flows.
Seventeen returnees from Tegal who were stranded at Rest Area 338A in Pekalongan were successfully evacuated and transported home using police service buses.