Lebaran 2026 Homecoming: Sumatra Barat Government Implements One-Way Traffic and Restricts Freight Transport

The Government of West Sumatra Province (Sumbar) is preparing a series of traffic management policies during the Lebaran mudik and balik period for 2026/1447 Hijriah to ensure that people’s journeys are safe, orderly, and smooth. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah said the traffic arrangements are an anticipatory measure in response to the expected increase in vehicle volumes during the Lebaran travel period. The regional government, together with relevant agencies, has undertaken various preparations so that mobility during the mudik period can run smoothly without causing congestion or traffic safety issues. ‘We want to ensure that people’s journeys during the mudik and the Lebaran balik are safe and smooth. Therefore, the government, together with all stakeholders, is implementing traffic management to anticipate vehicle congestion,’ Mahyeldi said on Sunday, 8 March. The traffic arrangements were established through West Sumatra Governor’s Announcement No. 550/86/DISHUB-SB/III/2026 on the Traffic Arrangements for the Mudik and Balik of Lebaran 2026/1447 Hijriah in West Sumatra. FREIGHT TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS The Head of the West Sumatra Provincial Transportation Agency, Dedy Diantolani, explained that one policy is restriction on freight transport operations, which will take effect from Friday, 13 March 2026 at 12:00 WIB to Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 24:00 WIB. The restriction applies on two main routes: Padang–Solok–Kiliran Jao–border with Jambi Province in Dharmasraya Regency, and Padang–Padang Panjang–Bukittinggi–border with Riau Province in Fifty Cities Regency (Lima Puluh Kota), including the reverse direction. According to Dedy, the restriction applies to freight vehicles with three axles or more, vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers, and vehicles transporting CPO, mined materials, and building materials. However, the restrictions do not apply to vehicles transporting fuel or gas, livestock, fertilisers, disaster relief aid, or vehicles carrying essential goods for the public. In addition, the government will implement traffic management and engineering in the form of a time-based one-way system on the Padang–Padang Panjang route, specifically in the Lembah Anai area. ‘The one-way system will be time-based. From 10:00 to 14:00 WIB, traffic will be one-way from Padang to Padang Panjang; from 14:00 to 18:00 WIB, one-way from Padang Panjang to Padang. At each switch, a clearance time or sterilisation period will be implemented to ensure the road is completely empty before the next flow is opened,’ said Dedy. He added that during the Lebaran 2026 period, the Lembah Anai route will also be opened for 24 hours from H-10 to H+10 of Lebaran and will be open to light four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles. The West Sumatra provincial government urges the public to comply with all traffic regulations and follow the instructions of officers on the ground to ensure smooth travel during the mudik and balik Lebaran. (E-2) The road connecting Payakumbuh city with the Lintau area in Tanah Datar Regency has been damaged since 2016.