Major Wave of Homecoming Travellers Predicted to Enter Central Java 18-19 March 2026
A major wave of Eid holiday homecoming travellers entering Central Java is predicted to occur at the peak of the migration period on 18-19 March 2026, with arrivals occurring simultaneously across land, sea, and air routes.
Monitoring on Monday, 16 March, showed vehicle numbers entering Central Java via the Trans-Java Toll Road continuing to rise since Sunday, 15 March. At the Kalikangkung toll gate in Semarang, westbound vehicle volume averaged 1,400 to 1,900 vehicles per hour, with peaks reaching approximately 2,300 vehicles per hour.
Beyond toll roads, increased vehicle volumes were also evident on the National Pantura Coastal Route in Central Java from the west or Jakarta. Traffic was dominated by homecoming travellers using motorcycles and private vehicles, with congestion occurring at several points, though traffic remained relatively fluid overall.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang began filling with homecoming travellers arriving by ship from various regions. Thousands of passengers disembarked and continued their journeys to various areas in Central Java using land transport.
One traveller, Karmin (40), who had recently arrived from Sampit in Central Kalimantan, said he would continue his journey to Wonogiri with his family. Similarly, Darmadi (59), heading to Ambarawa, had worked for approximately 20 years in coal mining in Kalimantan.
Branch Manager of PT Pelindo Multi Terminal Branch Tanjung Emas Semarang, S Joko, stated that the peak of homecoming traffic at the port was estimated to occur on Wednesday, 18 March, when several ships were scheduled to arrive almost simultaneously from areas including Sampit, Pontianak, and Kumai.
To accommodate homecoming traffic, PT Pelni prepared four ships, whilst private company PT Dharma Lautan Utama provided five ships. Additionally, the Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Banda Aceh was scheduled to dock at Tanjung Emas Port. “All port facilities and personnel have been prepared to welcome homecoming travellers,” Joko stated.
Police also anticipated increased vehicle volumes at the Kalikangkung toll gate. Head of the Security Post (Pospam) at the Kalikangkung toll gate, AKP Dimas Arief Wicaksono, reported that vehicle numbers entering Semarang via the toll gate continued to rise. To reduce vehicle queues, operators opened 17 toll booths, comprising 8 main booths and 9 additional booths.
“Westbound vehicles reached a peak of approximately 2,300 units per hour, whilst eastbound traffic recorded 7,527 vehicles with congestion of approximately 400 to 800 units per hour,” he said.
Chief Executive of PT Jasamarga Semarang Batang, Nasrullah, stated that beginning Tuesday, 17 March, a one-way system would be implemented in stages on several toll road sections. This policy was implemented to anticipate the peak homecoming period estimated to occur on 18-19 March 2026. Under the one-way system, vehicles from the east or Semarang would be redirected off the toll at the nearest exit.
General Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang began operating an Eid holiday command post from Friday, 13 March, through Monday, 30 March, as passenger numbers during homecoming were estimated to increase.
The government has prepared various facilities and infrastructure to support smooth vehicle traffic during the homecoming season. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi predicted the peak of Eid homecoming traffic for 2026 would occur on 18 March, with the government implementing a work-from-anywhere policy strategy to alleviate congestion.
The Traffic Unit of Bogor Police established a traffic engineering scheme with one-way systems or open-close mechanisms at six congestion-prone points heading towards the Puncak tourist area.