One-Way National Route for Lebaran Return Flow Begins to Open, Governor Luthfi: Don't Rush
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi accompanied by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo opened the one-way route for the 2026 Lebaran return flow starting from the Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Semarang on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. This policy is implemented to anticipate the vehicle surge expected to peak today.
During the event, three ministers also participated in opening the one-way route: Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
The National Police Chief stated that as of 24 March, approximately 2,380,401 vehicles have exited Jakarta via toll roads. As the return flow increases, traffic engineering is upgraded from local one-way to national one-way.
“We are implementing the national one-way, which we estimate will see the peak return flow today,” he said.
The national one-way is applied from KM 414 Kalikangkung to KM 70 Cikatama. To anticipate density towards Jakarta, traffic engineering is carried out gradually, including the use of functional toll lanes and on-site technical arrangements.
Sigit also urged the public to prioritise safety during the return journey by utilising rest area facilities, service posts, and integrated posts.
“Utilise all available facilities. For those who are tired, please rest and do not force yourselves,” he emphasised.
In addition, alternative transportation modes such as trains and the Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy are promoted to help ease return flow congestion.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno emphasised that all government efforts are focused on public safety during the return journey.
“So that all families can return from their holiday trips safely and healthily,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed the importance of drivers’ physical condition as the primary safety factor, as they determine journey safety. He also urged travellers to rest periodically.
“Every three hours, if possible, stop to avoid drowsiness and fatigue. Because fatigue is one of the main causes of accidents,” he said.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed appreciation for the cross-sectoral synergy in managing this year’s Lebaran outbound and return flows. He noted that the number of vehicles entering Central Java during the 2026 Lebaran outbound reached about 1,795,522 units, while those exiting were recorded at around 1,099,049 units.
For the return flow, he added, only about 153,136 vehicles have returned so far, while approximately 1.6 million other vehicles remain in Central Java.
“This means there are still those who have not returned. We hope the public does not rush and can utilise the remaining travel time available,” he said.
He also urged travellers to take advantage of the WFA policy so that the return flow does not concentrate at one time.
Luthfi assured that road infrastructure conditions in Central Java are good and do not cause significant complaints from the public. Additionally, traffic accidents have decreased.
“This shows that not only road factors, but also public awareness in traffic has improved,” he said.
On the other hand, Luthfi continued, the availability of staple goods and energy in Central Java is monitored as safe and controlled, both in terms of stock and price affordability.
Luthfi emphasised the importance of collaborative work between central and local governments, TNI-Polri, especially the public, in succeeding the Lebaran outbound and return flows.
With these various measures, it is hoped that the 2026 Lebaran return flow can proceed smoothly, safely, and controllably until all the public returns to their respective destinations.
Meanwhile, a traveller from Kudus heading to Jakarta, Edi, said his holiday experience was comfortable and smooth, especially regarding road infrastructure.
“A month ago, I saw the Semarang-Kudus road was badly damaged and potholed, but yesterday we returned very smoothly,” said Edi.