NPEA Sea Toll Called Solution to Horrific Tanjung Priok Traffic Jam, Here Are Its Impacts and Challenges

Severe traffic congestion around the Tanjung Priok Port area in North Jakarta continues to be a nightmare for drivers. One incident that captured public attention occurred from 16 to 18 April 2025. For three days, traffic around the port was completely paralysed. Motorcyclists and car drivers, both on arterial roads and toll roads, were stuck for hours. Based on Kompas.com records, the congestion was triggered by a drastic surge in the volume of container trucks exceeding Tanjung Priok Port’s capacity. To address this issue, PT Pelindo has initiated the Strategic National Project (PSN) New Priok Eastern Access (NPEA), or a toll road over the sea, to prevent similar congestion from recurring. NPEA will be built along approximately 6.6 kilometres, connecting the Cibitung-Cilincing Toll Road (JTCC) to Kalibaru Terminal at Tanjung Priok Port. “The NPEA project initiated by Pelindo is indeed one of its aims to ease congestion in the North Jakarta area and increase logistics capacity, particularly at Tanjung Priok Port,” stated Project Manager of NPEA Section II from PT Pembangunan Perumahan (PT PP), Ikhsan Budi Prasetyo, when interviewed by Kompas.com in the Marunda area, North Jakarta, on Thursday (16/4/2026). The NPEA project construction is divided into two sections. Section I is being handled by Hutama Karya and Brantas Abipraya (KSO) along 2.78 kilometres, connecting KM 108 JTCC to the Nusantara Bonded Area (KBN) Marunda. Meanwhile, Section II is being worked on by PT PP along 3.8 kilometres and is currently in the construction phase. The toll road’s width is around 28 metres, with an average height of 10 metres above sea level. The installation of piles is being carried out in the waters, specifically opposite the Cilincing Fish Auction Place (TPI). Dozens of piles have been installed, although only some are towering high. Construction in the marine area requires careful execution, especially since it concerns fishermen’s access. The piles are installed along the fishermen’s boat entry and exit routes. Nevertheless, the NPEA project is assured not to disrupt fishing activities. “In our planning, we always prioritise aspects of safety, security, and comfort, including entry and exit routes for those using the waters, especially on the fishermen’s side,” said Ikhsan.