To Avoid Return Traffic Jams, Commuters Advised to Return on These Dates

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi has urged holidaymakers to avoid the peak return flow for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H or Lebaran 2026, which will take place on 24, 28, and 29 March 2026. The appeal was made by the Minister during an inspection of traffic flow on H+1 Lebaran 2026 at the Jasamarga Tollroad Command Centre (JMTC) on Sunday (22/3/2026).

Dudy stated that, based on calculations obtained at the JMTC, the peak return flow is expected to occur on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. At that time, the volume of vehicles travelling during the return flow is predicted to reach more than 285,000 vehicles. This number is larger than the vehicle volume during the peak outbound flow on 18 March 2026, which was 270,315 vehicles.

“Therefore, we urge the public to return to the Jabotabek area on 23 March 2026 by utilising collective leave, or during the period of 25-27 March 2026 by taking advantage of the Work From Anywhere (WFA) period encouraged by the Government,” said Minister Dudy in an official statement on Monday (23/3/2026).

By avoiding the peak return flow, traffic distribution will be more even, allowing the public to have a more comfortable travel experience and avoid potential congestion during the return flow.

In agreement with Minister Dudy, in a separate occasion, the Head of Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps, Inspector General of Police Agus Suryonugroho, stated that there will be three peak return flows that holidaymakers should avoid. The first peak return flow will occur on 24 March 2026, while the second and third peaks will occur on 28 and 29 March 2026.

“We predict that those three days will be the peak return flows for Lebaran 2026. We urge the public to avoid those peak return times so that the outbound flow services run safely, comfortably, and securely,” Agus explained.

Meanwhile, the President Director of PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk, Rivan A. Purwantono, requested cooperation from road users to utilise return times during the return flow in line with government directives by planning even better journeys.

“We request and ask all members of the public planning to return home to choose return times as recommended by the Government. We also remind holidaymakers to take advantage of the 30% toll discount during the return flow period for two days, namely on 26-27 March 2026, on 9 Jasa Marga Group toll roads for continuous journeys,” he clarified.

Rivan continued that the purpose of the recommendation is to ensure that the distribution of return flow traffic volume is controlled and provides a more comfortable journey for the public.

To ensure readiness of return flow services on Jasa Marga Group toll roads, Jasa Marga is strengthening services on several main toll road sections by optimising toll gate operations, preparing toll road service fleets, conducting situational traffic management, and ensuring the readiness of field officers 24 hours a day.

In addition, technology optimisation efforts through the Jasamarga Tollroad Command Centre (JMTC) continue to monitor real-time traffic conditions and support quick and accurate decision-making, supported by information dissemination through the Travoy Application, Call Centre 133, and Travoy FM Radio. This aims to help road users plan their journeys even better.

Furthermore, drivers with three-axle or more vehicles are urged to comply with the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of the Director General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, the Head of Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps, and the Director General of Road Infrastructure Development of the Ministry of Public Works dated 5 February 2026 on Traffic Management and Crossing During the Eid Outbound and Return Flow Period for 2026/1447H regarding restrictions on goods vehicle operations, including not passing through at the specified times, namely during the period of 13-29 March 2026.

The Ministry of Transportation, the National Police Traffic Corps, and Jasa Marga also urge the public to anticipate the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026 holiday travel period well. Before entering the toll road, the public should ensure that vehicles and drivers are in prime condition, use time wisely by taking sufficient rest at rest areas, ensure sufficient fuel, electronic money card balance, and comply with signs and directions from officers in the field.

The latest traffic information and assistance requests while driving on toll roads can also be obtained through the Jasa Marga Call Centre at number 133, the X account @PTJASAMARGA, and its networks as well as official Jasa Marga Group social media.