Toll-free Expressway Route to Cibadak-Cikidang in Sukabumi Alleviates Congestion During Homecoming Period
The Indonesian government is preparing several additional expressway sections to reduce traffic congestion during the Eid homecoming and return period in 2026. One of the routes to be functionally opened is Section 3 of the Ciawi-Sukabumi Expressway.
The Ministry of Public Works, together with toll operator PT Trans Jabar Tol, will open a functional lane approximately 5 kilometres long connecting the Cibadak Junction or Parungkuda interchange to the Karangtengah access in Sukabumi Regency. The route will be temporarily opened to facilitate traffic flow towards Sukabumi during the homecoming season.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the government is adding several expressway sections that can be temporarily utilised by the public during the Eid period this year. “During the 2026 Eid homecoming and return period, 10 additional expressway sections totalling approximately 291 kilometres will be operationalised. This is expected to help alleviate congestion at several points on national roads,” the minister said in a statement on Monday (16 March 2026).
The functional Section 3 of the Ciawi-Sukabumi Expressway will be open from 14 March to 29 March 2026. This temporary route is expected to reduce traffic congestion at several notoriously congested areas, such as the Cibadak Market area, Cikidang Junction, Cibadak Junction or Ratu Junction, and Pamuruyan Bridge.
During the temporary operational period, road users will not be charged toll fees. However, the operational hours of the functional route remain limited and will only be open at certain times each day.
Based on coordination with local police, the route will operate from 08:00 to 17:00 daily. Operational hours may change at any time depending on traffic conditions in the field and evaluation results with relevant agencies.
This functional route is intended for vehicles making continuous journeys from Bogor towards Karangtengah and vice versa. Access cannot be used by vehicles coming from the Parungkuda Toll Gate heading towards Karangtengah access or vice versa.
Additionally, the route can only be traversed by Class I non-bus vehicles with a maximum vehicle height of 2.1 metres. Road users must also comply with a maximum speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour whilst using this route.
From a technical readiness perspective, the temporary route has been equipped with concrete pavement, traffic signs, road barriers, operational vehicles, field personnel, and portable bathroom facilities to support road user safety.
The government also urges drivers to exercise caution given the frequent rainy weather conditions in the Bocimi expressway area. Road users are asked to ensure their vehicles are in good condition, turn on vehicle lights, maintain a safe distance, and follow instructions from officers.
Overall, the Ciawi-Sukabumi Expressway is approximately 54 kilometres long. Currently, about 27.25 kilometres are operational, consisting of Section 1 (Ciawi-Cigombong) spanning 15.35 kilometres, which opened in 2018, and Section 2 (Cigombong-Cibadak) spanning 11.9 kilometres, which has been operational since 6 August 2023.
In future, the presence of Section 3 is estimated to significantly reduce travel time from Cibadak to West Sukabumi. Whilst previously the journey could take approximately one hour, with this expressway section, travel time is estimated to take only around 10 minutes. The route is also expected to serve as an alternative access for people travelling to Sukabumi or Cianjur.