Post-Eid Return Flow Ends, Here’s the Best Time to Return to Jakarta According to the Ministry of Transportation

JAKARTA – The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has provided recommendations on the best times for returnees to head back to Jakarta during the post-Eid return flow in 2026.

The public is advised to avoid the peak period, predicted to occur on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.

The Director General of Land Transportation at Kemenhub, Aan Suhanan, stated that the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah outbound flow has concluded smoothly, coinciding with Eid celebrations falling on Saturday (21 March 2026).

Nevertheless, attention is now shifting to the return flow. Aan emphasised the importance of scheduling trips to avoid simultaneous vehicle build-ups.

“Based on the outbound flow, with the work-from-anywhere policy in place, returnees are encouraged to arrange their return to Jakarta before or after 24 March 2026 to disperse the peak return flow,” he said.

“This will provide comfort and safety for road users and prevent vehicle pile-ups on the roads,” Aan added.

According to Jasa Marga data, the outbound peak occurred on 18 March 2026, marking the highest in history. More than 270,000 vehicles were recorded exiting through four main toll gates, with over 50 percent heading to the Trans-Java Toll Road.

This situation strongly indicates that a surge in vehicles during the return flow must be anticipated early.

For logistics transport, Kemenhub has reminded all business operators and drivers to comply with operational restrictions on goods vehicles during the Eid period.

These restrictions apply to vehicles with three or more axles, goods trucks with trailers or semi-trailers, and vehicles carrying mining products, quarried materials, and construction materials. The policy remains in effect until 29 March 2026.