Return Traffic of Motorcycle Commuters Begins Crowding the Banda Aceh-Medan Route from H+2 of Eid
The return flow of Eid 2026/Idulfitri 1447 H is beginning to be felt along the national route connecting Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, with Medan, North Sumatra. On H+2 Lebaran or Monday (23/3) to Tuesday (24/3), thousands of holidaymakers using motorcycles are starting to crowd the roads to return to their places of work after celebrating the day of victory in their hometowns.
Media Indonesia’s on-site observations show that traffic flow, which was quiet during the Eid prayer two days ago, is now bustling again. Vehicle concentrations are clearly visible on the Sigli route, Pidie Regency, heading to Banda Aceh. The roar of motorcycle engines from students and migrant workers is dominating the roads since morning.
One of the main observation points is at the Aneuk Mulieng Monument Junction, Sigli City. Queues of two-wheeled vehicles are lining up when the traffic light turns red. The majority of these holidaymakers come from Pidie Regency, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, North Aceh, to Central Aceh who are heading back to the provincial capital of Aceh.
“This return to Banda Aceh is a bit earlier than usual. The plan is to resume activities tomorrow by opening the shop. So we have to leave early to make various preparations for resuming sales,” said Ikhwan, a holidaymaker from Pidie Jaya, when met in the Sigli City area on Monday (23/3).
The current weather conditions in Aceh Province, ranging from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, are a crucial consideration for motorcycle holidaymakers. To cope with the scorching air temperature, most holidaymakers choose to travel in the early hours or shortly after dawn prayer.
In addition to avoiding the sun’s rays, travelling at dawn is considered more comfortable for families bringing young children or toddlers. The drivers are also trying to avoid late-night journeys for safety reasons and ease of access to assistance if vehicle problems occur.
The peak return flow on the Banda Aceh-Medan national route is estimated to reach its peak in the mid-to-late this week. This coincides with the schedule of educational institutions and offices that will resume full operations next week.
Abrar, Chairman of the Indonesian Family Welfare Association (PKK) for the Aceh Region, emphasised that the Woe U Gampoeng or homecoming tradition has high religious value. “Idulfitri is an opportunity where the day of togetherness does not consider caste, except to honour older people or parents more,” he concluded.