West Java Transportation Office Predicts Peak Mudik Flow to Occur 3 Days Before Eid al-Fitr
The peak exodus for Eid al-Fitr 2026 is predicted to fall three days before Eid (H-3 Eid). Approximately 8.9 million West Javanese residents are estimated to undertake the mudik (homecoming) journey.
Dhani Gumelar, Head of the West Java Transportation Office, estimates that most travellers will prefer to depart after dawn prayers between 04:00 and 10:00. The number of mudik travellers during this period is estimated to reach 21.68 million people.
Travellers are urged to choose their departure times wisely to avoid traffic congestion. The number of mudik travellers is expected to be lower between 00:00 and 04:00 and between 11:00 and 23:00.
The peak return flow is expected to occur on two separate days: H+2 Eid, which falls on Tuesday (24 March 2026), and H+6 Eid, which falls on Saturday (28 March 2026). The number of residents returning to their places of residence on H+2 Eid is estimated at 4.12 million people and 3.9 million on H+6 Eid.
“The return time for mudik travellers is estimated to occur after dawn prayers towards midday, between 05:00 and 10:00,” said Dhani in a written statement on Friday (13 March 2026).
The statement was made by Dhani on Monday (9 March). The total number of mudik travellers returning to their places of residence during this time period is predicted to reach 19.34 million people. The number of returning mudik travellers is estimated to be smallest between 23:00 and 00:00.
Routes for mudik
Dhani stated that 14.18 million mudik travellers will use the Trans Java toll route (Japek-Cipali-Palikanci). Another route expected to be crowded with mudik travellers is the Bandung-Cileunyi-Nagreg-Limbangan-Malangbong-Tasikmalaya-Ciamis-Banjar route with an estimated 2.9 million travellers.
In addition, the Cikampek-Cipularang-Padaleunyi toll route is also expected to be crowded with an estimated 1.96 million mudik travellers.
“The vast majority of mudik travellers will use cars, with a total of 16.75 million people,” said Dhani.
Garut as a destination
A total of 25.6 million West Javanese residents are estimated to undertake travel during Eid al-Fitr 2026. Garut Regency is the most popular destination with an estimated 2.94 million visitors.
Dhani stated that of the 25.6 million residents undertaking travel, the majority, or 24.86 million people (96.73 per cent), are undertaking mudik journeys. The remainder comprise 0.5 million people (1.9 per cent) travelling for tourism, 0.29 million people (0.118 per cent) for family visits without returning to their hometown, 0.01 million people (0.023 per cent) for work, and 0.05 million people (0.18 per cent) for other activities.