Pulogebang Terminal Becomes Increasingly Congested with Mudik Travellers, Peak Predicted for 17 March

JAKARTA — The number of mudik travellers departing from Pulogebang Terminal in East Jakarta has increased significantly over the past several days.

According to data from eight days before Lebaran, Thursday, 12 March 2026, the number of mudik passengers reached 2,898 people, transported by 404 buses.

Meanwhile, on seven days before Lebaran, Friday, 13 March 2026 until 10:00 WIB, a total of 714 passengers had departed using 96 buses.

“It’s becoming busier compared to yesterday,” said Christianto, Head of the Pulogebang Integrated Terminal Management Unit, at the terminal on Friday. “As we get closer to Lebaran, the peak will probably be Friday afternoon in the first phase of mudik.”

Christianto predicted that the peak exodus at Pulogebang Terminal would occur on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, coinciding with the start of public holidays and school break.

“This morning, most passengers are heading to Sumatra, and they typically depart well in advance to reach their hometowns and Madura. Later this afternoon, it will be Central Java,” he explained.

“We conduct inspections according to predetermined items. The inspectors have found issues mainly with supporting equipment, such as passengers forgetting emergency glass breakers or faulty safety belts,” he added.

Observations at the terminal showed Pulogebang becoming increasingly crowded with passengers preparing to mudik, carrying large suitcases. The atmosphere grew busier as participants in a free mudik programme organised by ride-hailing applications prepared for departure.