Travellers' Accounts on the Implementation of Contraflow and One-Way Systems: Mudik Traffic Flow More Controlled

Cikarang, VIVA – The implementation of traffic engineering measures such as contraflow and one-way systems during the Lebaran mudik traffic has elicited varied responses from travellers traversing the route from Jakarta to Bandung. This policy is deemed quite helpful in facilitating smoother vehicle flow. Rico, one of the mudik travellers on the Jakarta–Bandung route, stated that the contraflow has a positive impact in alleviating traffic density. “In my view, it helps. With the contraflow in place, the flow that was previously fully congested can be reduced from the situation I observed earlier. From KM 20 to wherever, it was extremely packed, but from KM 30 with the contraflow, the congestion gradually eased,” said Rico. He also highlighted the use of technology in traffic management, which he considers increasingly modern, such as the deployment of drones and helicopters to monitor road conditions in real-time. “I see it as more modern, plus with drones and helicopters monitoring congestion points, allowing officers to respond as quickly as possible to those points,” Rico added. Meanwhile, another mudik traveller named Abel, also journeying from Jakarta to Bandung, assessed the traffic engineering as very helpful in managing vehicle flow. “This traffic engineering greatly assists the mudik journey,” Abel remarked. In addition to traffic engineering, the presence of service posts is also felt to be beneficial by mudik travellers. These facilities are seen as capable of providing rapid responses to public needs during the trip. “It definitely helps the public heading to Java, especially those mudik to other places, because with security posts in place, responses are quicker,” Abel explained. At the end of his statement, the mudik traveller also expressed appreciation to the government and police apparatus tasked with securing this year’s Lebaran mudik traffic. “Thank you to President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran, the National Police Chief, and all personnel on duty securing Lebaran 2026,” he said.