Return Traffic Not Yet Over: MBZ Congested on H+9 of Eid, 2026 Mudik Patterns Changing

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The return flow for Eid 2026 has not fully subsided. A surge in vehicles heading to Jakarta is still occurring on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Elevated Road (MBZ), even after the peak return traffic has passed, reflecting a shift in public travel patterns.

PT Jasamarga Jalanlayang Cikampek (PT JJC) recorded 39,599 vehicles heading to Jakarta passing through the MBZ section on H+9 of Idul Fitri 1447 H/2026. This figure represents a 67.47 percent increase compared to normal traffic of 23,646 vehicles.

“Although the main return flow has passed, the volume of vehicles heading to Jakarta is still experiencing an increase, particularly during night-time periods,” said GM of Operations and Maintenance at PT Jasamarga Jalanlayang Cikampek, Desti Anggraeni, in an official statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

On the other hand, vehicles leaving Jakarta were recorded at 26,719 units, an increase of 22.05 percent compared to normal traffic of 21,892 vehicles.

“This relatively moderate increase indicates that traffic movement in both directions is beginning to return to normal patterns,” Desti continued.

Desti advised road users to continue prioritising safety during their journeys. Drivers are urged to ensure they are in prime physical condition and that their vehicles are roadworthy.

In addition, road users are asked to maintain sufficient electrical power and fuel (BBM), as well as to anticipate weather changes, particularly rain, which can affect visibility and road surface conditions.

However, compared to the 2025 Eid realisation of 154.62 million people, the number has decreased by 4.57 percent.

“Of course, there are several considerations from the public for undertaking travel; we will elaborate further on the decline compared to last year,” said Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi at the Ministry of Transportation on Monday (30/3/2026).