Sunset over MBZ: When the Wheels Begin Rolling Eastward
JAKARTA — A gentle afternoon breeze sweeps across the concrete expanse of Mohammed Bin Zayed elevated highway, heralding the start of this year’s Eid homecoming season. On Thursday, 12 March 2026, nine days before Eid al-Fitr, tens of thousands of vehicles began departing the bustling capital of Jakarta, creeping slowly towards the east. Like birds knowing when to take flight, they chose to depart early, avoiding congestion and seeking peaceful journeys on the road.
PT Jasamarga Jalan Layang Cikampek recorded 28,040 vehicles passing through the eastbound MBZ section on that day—a figure 18.87 percent higher than normal traffic. “This situation demonstrates that traffic volume is beginning to increase ahead of this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebration,” said Desti Anggraeni, General Manager of Operations and Maintenance at JJC, in Bekasi on Friday.
Beyond those leaving Jakarta, those returning to the capital also began increasing. A total of 24,387 vehicles were recorded travelling in the opposite direction, up 11.71 percent from normal levels. Overall, 52,427 vehicles passed through that section in a single day—a small orchestra of wheels passing one another, each carrying stories and destinations.
Maintaining Safety on Concrete and Asphalt
Behind the roar of engines and flickering vehicle lights, road guardians remained on alert. Anggraeni reminded travellers to ensure their vehicles were in prime condition, maintain safe distances, and be cautious of weather that could change at any time. “Road users can access information through Jasa Marga Group’s 24-hour call centre at number 133, Twitter @PTJASAMARGA, and the Travoy application,” she said.
Elsewhere, thousands of kilometres from Jakarta, officers in South Kalimantan were busy with equally important tasks. At Terminal Induk Km 6 in Banjarmasin, convoys of Eid transport drivers queued up. Not to find passengers, but to be inspected.
The South Kalimantan Transportation Office conducted safety inspections or ramp checks. Not only were vehicles inspected—brakes, tyres, lights and administrative documents—but also the drivers themselves. In conjunction with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), they conducted drug tests. With the Health Office, they checked drivers’ blood pressure and physical condition.
“We hope that drivers are free from drugs, in good health and fitness, and that their vehicles are roadworthy,” said South Kalimantan Transportation Office Head M Fitri Hernadi. He hoped that with vehicles and drivers in prime condition, service to the public could be maximised and accident figures could be reduced.
He also appealed to independent travellers not to forget to check their vehicles before departure. “Important components such as fast-moving parts must be checked, and ensure that the house you leave behind is secure,” he added.
At Cipali, Figures Rise but Roads Remain Clear
Meanwhile, in West Java, Astra Tol Cipali recorded similar increases. Until 15:00 Western Indonesian Time on Friday, 13 March, approximately 18,800 vehicles passed through the Cikopo toll gate heading towards Cirebon. This figure was 19.9 percent higher than the previous day. However, management assured that traffic flow remained smoothly managed.