Motorcyclists Dominate Cirebon Pantura Route

Thousands of homeward-bound travellers have passed through the Pantura coastal route in Cirebon, West Java. Based on monitoring, the arterial route continues to be dominated by two-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles. According to data compiled from the Cirebon City Transport Office post, from 00:00 to 09:00 on Saturday, 16 March 2026, 14,395 motorcycles had passed along the Pantura Cirebon route.

Private cars on the Pantura Cirebon route have reached 1,131 vehicles. This afternoon, several homeward-bound travellers using motorcycles were seen resting at makeshift food stalls, petrol stations, and rest areas prepared by the local government.

Scorching heat blanketed the Pantura route as travellers rested. “It’s very hot now, so I’m resting here,” said Rohimin, a traveller headed to Banjarnegara.

Despite the heat, Rohimin, who is travelling alone, said he still prepared a rain jacket. The rain jacket was prepared especially to anticipate rainfall during the journey. “I’ve already looked up weather information for when I’m travelling home, and they say rain is still expected. So I’m bringing a rain jacket too,” said Rohimin.

Interestingly, not only did Rohimin bring a rain jacket, he was also seen carrying a large bundle behind his motorcycle used to wrap several kitchen appliances brought from Jakarta. One visible item was a 3-kilogramme liquefied petroleum gas canister. “I deliberately bought it in Jakarta to bring to my hometown,” he said.

Cirebon Police Chief Brigadier General Imara Utama predicted an increase in the number of homeward-bound travellers on both toll and Pantura routes today. The peak surge in homeward-bound traffic is expected to occur in several waves, one of which is imminent today.

“We have already prepared traffic engineering to ensure smooth passage for travellers returning to their hometowns,” said Imara. Additionally, they have closed U-turns and turnarounds to improve traffic flow.