Main Challenges of Returning Home for Eid 2026 Using Private Vehicles: Fatigue and Vehicle Overload
The surge in vehicle volume during the 2026 Eid holiday period is predicted to drastically alter travel patterns. Road safety experts from Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), Jusri Pulubuhu, urge residents returning to their hometowns using private vehicles to anticipate three main challenges: journey duration, rapid physical fatigue, and excessive cargo loads.
Jusri explained that the characteristics of Indonesia’s holiday migration have unique features with direct impacts on driving safety. “The nature of holiday travel in Indonesia has three characteristics: time duration, fatigue, and carrying excessive cargo,” he said.
One of the most significant factors is the dramatic increase in travel time due to severe congestion. Journeys to Central and East Java can take twice as long as on regular days, affecting both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicle users. “A trip from Jakarta to Semarang normally takes six to seven hours, but during the Eid holiday period it can take more than 12 hours,” Jusri explained.
The longer journey duration automatically increases the risk of extreme fatigue. This condition is compounded for those observing the Ramadan fast during the congestion. Fatigue is a “travel companion” that should not be underestimated as it drastically reduces driver concentration.
Jusri recommended that travellers properly prepare their physical condition before departure and maintain discipline in scheduling regular rest breaks throughout the route. Beyond the human factor, vehicle condition deserves serious attention. The common practice of carrying many provisions and gifts often causes vehicles to exceed normal load capacity (overloading).
“The habit of carrying excessive cargo during holiday travel causes serious damage to vehicles. This overloading can cause the car to deteriorate rapidly and fuel consumption increases significantly,” he added.
According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, approximately 143.9 million people are estimated to travel during the 2026 Eid holiday period. The Indonesian National Police predict the peak flow during two waves: 14-15 March and 18-19 March 2026.
Optimal brake performance is particularly needed, especially when vehicles carry full loads during long journeys. Extended driving without breaks can reduce focus and increase accident risk due to fatigue.
Transportation observer Haris Muhammadun has called on the government to begin implementing restrictions on motorcycle use for the 2026 Eid holiday travel. Experts note that this year’s holiday migration challenges are increasingly complex, particularly with the threat of climate crisis that could disrupt public mobility.