Peak Return Traffic on 24 March, Traffic Corps Chief Urges Public to Plan Travel Times

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The National Police Traffic Corps predicts the peak of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr return traffic on 24 March. The public is urged to plan their travel times to avoid extreme density on toll roads.

National Police Traffic Corps Chief Inspector General of Police Agus Suryonugroho stated that the return traffic strategy is formulated based on a thorough evaluation of the outbound traffic, which recorded a significant surge in vehicles. More adaptive traffic engineering patterns are being prepared to respond to vehicle movements.

“The traffic engineering strategy with stakeholders is being prepared by us, including options for using functional tolls, traffic diversion, and technology-based monitoring before executing measures such as the national one-way return traffic,” said Agus at the Traffic Corps Command Centre, Cikampek, on Friday (20/3/2026).

Agus explained that the outbound peak on 18 March reached more than 270,000 vehicles leaving Jakarta. That situation forced the implementation of contraflow up to three lanes and the closure of road shoulders at several points.

Agus said a similar scheme will be applied during the return traffic with phased one-way options from KM 414 to Bekasi. The policy will be adjusted based on on-the-ground traffic conditions.

“It is estimated that the return traffic peak will occur on 24 March. We are preparing phased one-way operations, possibly from KM 414 to the Bekasi area. If the flow remains high, we will evaluate to extend it,” said Agus.

President Director of PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk Rivan Achmad Purwantono said the public needs to avoid the return traffic peak by planning travel times. Real-time traffic information can be utilised to choose safer times.

“For travel comfort, the public can monitor road density information and avoid the peak flow on 24 March, either by departing earlier or later,” said Rivan.

Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan said the government is encouraging the dispersion of return traffic by utilising work time flexibility. This step is deemed important to prevent vehicle accumulation in one day.

“Please return on 25, 26, 27, or 29 March so that the peak flow can be spread out,” said Aan.

Cross-agency coordination is being strengthened to ensure smooth return traffic. Security is being carried out through Operation Ketupat, covering toll roads, arterial routes, and tourist areas.