Takjil Rush Shifts Jakarta's Peak Traffic Hours
Jakarta residents’ activities during Ramadan have caused a significant shift in the capital’s peak traffic hours. In the afternoon, rush hour has moved forward by approximately two hours from normal, driven by the scramble to purchase breaking-fast food, commonly known as the “takjil war.”
Head of Operational Development at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate, Inspector Robby Hefados, explained that morning rush hour in Jakarta is predicted to start later due to relaxed office arrival times. Morning peak traffic is forecast to occur between 09:00 and 10:00 Western Indonesian Time.
“Naturally, with the government’s work-from-anywhere policy and office activities starting later in the day, public traffic movement in the morning is likely to occur between 09:00 and 10:00,” Robby told reporters on Wednesday (18 February).
Meanwhile, afternoon rush hour has shifted earlier due to offices closing sooner. The afternoon congestion during Ramadan now begins from 14:00 to 15:00.
“In the afternoon, most likely because our residents want to break their fast with family and relatives, there will probably be an increase in vehicles heading towards Bekasi and the southern areas from around 14:00 or 15:00,” said Robby.
Congestion Points Mapped
Police have mapped congestion points during Ramadan, covering not only road traffic but also crowded areas around takjil selling locations. One such area, he noted, is the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) district in Central Jakarta.
“We have mapped takjil locations and Ramadan bazaars, including Benhil, where they usually operate, along with several other spots. Those with the potential to disrupt traffic have already been identified,” said Robby.
Robby stated that the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate would make preparations to address the traffic congestion shifts occurring during Ramadan. Personnel will be stationed at congestion-prone locations.
“During the fasting month, we will endeavour to be quicker in managing traffic flow on the roads and adjusting to public movement patterns,” Robby explained.
Rush Hour Shifts Due to Takjil War
DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung noted that the usual evening traffic congestion has shifted to the afternoon as a result of residents purchasing takjil for breaking their fast.
“We have coordinated with the police, with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, to manage this. Particularly during the afternoon hours approaching the breaking of the fast,” said Pramono at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (19 February 2026).
Additionally, on normal days before Ramadan, traffic congestion typically begins from 06:00 to 07:00. However, during Ramadan, morning rush hour tends to start later.
“In the morning there has been a shift — previously at 06:00 or 07:00 the roads would already be congested, but now it’s at 08:00, 09:00 and so on,” he said.
The Jakarta Transportation Agency has been asked to prepare measures to ease congestion, particularly at spots that frequently become impromptu takjil selling locations.
“We are coordinating — yesterday I also asked the transportation agency to prepare for this. Because this is a routine matter that occurs every year,” he added.
Congestion Points Ahead of Breaking Fast
Several roads in Jakarta experienced congestion ahead of the first day’s breaking-fast time on Thursday (19 February). One congestion point was in the Bendungan Hilir area, a popular spot for the takjil rush.
“At 16:07 Western Indonesian Time, Central Jakarta Traffic Police officers conducted traffic management at Benhil Market to anticipate crowding from residents hunting for takjil. Traffic conditions are currently busy but flowing,” wrote the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Management Centre’s X account on Thursday (19 February 2026).
Beyond the Benhil area, congestion also occurred at the Santa traffic lights in South Jakarta. Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Management Centre data as of 16:53 showed that stretch of road was becoming packed with motorcycles and cars ahead of breaking-fast time.
According to Google Maps, red indicators signalling traffic congestion appeared on Jalan Gatot Subroto, specifically from the Pancoran direction. On this stretch, traffic queued towards Kuningan, South Jakarta.
Traffic on Jalan Raya Casablanca in South Jakarta was also showing red or congested conditions during the afternoon. The congestion extended towards Tebet and eased upon entering the Basura Mall area.
Other congestion points were located in the Cilandak and Blok M areas of South Jakarta. As of 17:08, both stretches showed red on Google Maps.
The Sudirman area in Central Jakarta also experienced afternoon congestion. Traffic build-up began around the Sampoerna Strategic area, specifically on Jalan Prof Dr Satrio.