Peak Homecoming Traffic for Eid 2026 Predicted for 18 March; Government Prepares Work From Anywhere Strategy to Ease Congestion
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has predicted that the peak volume of homecoming traffic during the 2026 Eid exodus will occur on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The government has prepared various strategic measures to anticipate the potential for severe congestion during this period.
“Peak homecoming traffic is estimated to occur on the 18th (March),” the Transport Minister stated during a visit to provide compensation for cart drivers at Garut Police Headquarters, West Java, on Saturday (14 March).
One of the government’s key efforts in maintaining traffic flow is through the Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy. This policy is intended to encourage people to leave earlier, thereby preventing vehicle volumes from accumulating on a single day.
“With the implementation of WFA, work from anywhere, we hope that (homecoming traffic) can be distributed across the days beforehand,” explained the Transport Minister.
Dudy confirmed that all transport facilities and infrastructure have been thoroughly prepared. This includes the readiness of personnel in the field and coordination across agencies to secure homecoming routes.
“So far, all is proceeding well, and everything has been adequately provided,” he added.
At the conclusion of his statement, the Transport Minister appealed to travellers to plan their journeys carefully. He stressed the importance of monitoring weather forecasts and obtaining up-to-date information about homecoming routes through official media channels.
“We hope that homecoming travellers will plan their trips well and always seek information from various media sources,” he concluded.
The peak homecoming period for Eid 2026 (1447 AH) is predicted to occur across two major waves, driven by flexible working hours and collective holidays. The National Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) has officially established a one-way traffic scheme from KM 70 on the Jakarta-Cikampek highway to KM 421 near Semarang, commencing on 17 March 2026, to manage the surge in vehicles.
Jasa Marga, the toll road operator, predicts the peak homecoming period will fall on 18 March, with approximately 3.5 million vehicles. The toll road authority has activated the Bocimi Toll Section 3 access roads between Cibadak and Karangtengah in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, from 14-29 March to alleviate congestion. The Bogor Traffic Police have also prepared one-way traffic schemes and alternating opening-closing systems at six congestion-prone points leading to the Puncak tourism area.
For maritime routes, the peak homecoming traffic from Batam to Belawan, North Sumatra, is predicted to occur on 16 and 19 March 2026.
The Transport Minister also urged the public to abandon the dangerous habit of sweeping coins on Sewo Bridge along the Pantura route in Indramayu, West Java, during the 2026 Eid homecoming period. Additionally, guidance has been provided for owners of electric vehicles regarding battery conservation during the journey, including recommendations on regenerative braking techniques and preconditioning features for maximum efficiency.