Two Peak Times When Jabodetabek Residents Typically Begin Mudik Journeys for Eid Celebrations That Should Be Avoided

Head of Traffic Management at the National Police Brigjen Pol Faizal has revealed two times that are most frequently chosen by residents of the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) to begin their Eid holiday journeys. He has urged travellers from the Jabodetabek region to be cautious during these two periods, as they have the potential to cause extended traffic congestion.

“Our residents typically depart for mudik at two specific times, which are most common: late evening after tarawih prayers and early morning immediately after dawn prayers,” Faizal stated to Kompas.com at Menara Kompas, Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Friday (13 March 2026).

“Perhaps my recommendation would be to find alternative times. Identify when vehicle convoys or congestion during departures are likely to occur. So residents might consider departing after these peak times,” he advised.

The public is also expected to schedule their travel with consideration for predicted peak travel periods, which are divided into two waves: 14–15 March and 18–19 March 2026.

Meanwhile, the peak return journey period is predicted to occur on 24–25 March, followed by a second wave on 28–29 March 2026.

In addition to monitoring high-risk times, the Traffic Management Directorate has identified several congestion-prone points that require traveller attention, particularly on major toll routes and national arterial roads.

“The high-risk points on the toll road are closest to the Cikampek route at kilometres 47, 48, and 49. This is where the MBZ elevated toll route merges with the main route,” Faizal explained.

Beyond the MBZ toll route merge, Faizal also highlighted lane narrowing or bottleneck points that frequently cause congestion on the route connecting Jakarta with West Java. One congestion point is at kilometre 110, where the road narrows from three lanes to two lanes.

Travellers heading to Central Java are also advised to prepare for vehicle queues, particularly when passing through the Kalikangkung Toll Gate and the Jatingaleh area.

Additionally, travellers heading west towards Merak Port are cautioned about high-risk congestion points, particularly around kilometre 50 towards Merak.

“If rainfall occurs, this location is prone to flooding, making it one of the areas that requires careful attention,” he noted.