Record-Breaking Traffic: Over 270,000 Vehicles Exit Jakarta During 2026 Eid al-Fitr Exodus

A record-breaking surge in traffic marked this year’s mudik, the annual pre-Eid al-Fitr exodus in Indonesia, with over 270,000 vehicles leaving Jakarta on Wednesday, March 18th, according to PT Jasa Marga (Persero), the state-owned toll road operator.

This represents a 98.3 percent increase compared to a normal day and a 4.8 percent rise from the peak of the 2025 mudik period, Jasa Marga reported Friday. The figure encompasses cumulative traffic volume from four major toll gates: Cikupa (West), Ciawi (South), Cikampek, and Kalihurip Utama (East).

Alongside the Jakarta departures, the Trans Jawa toll road also experienced its highest-ever traffic volume, reaching 175,754 vehicles – a 6 percent increase year-over-year, stated Jasa Marga Director Utama Rivan A. Purwantono.

Despite the record numbers, authorities reported a relatively smooth flow of traffic, attributing it to the effectiveness of implemented traffic management measures. Congestion was primarily observed on the MBZ elevated road and the lower section of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road. To mitigate these bottlenecks, Jasa Marga, in coordination with the police, implemented contraflow measures, expanding one lane to three, and a nationwide one-way system spanning from kilometer 70 to kilometer 414.

According to Jasa Marga, traffic congestion was targeted to be resolved within 12 hours. By 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19th, traffic conditions had reportedly returned to normal speeds.

Jasa Marga emphasized its continued reliance on technology as a “decision support system” to inform traffic management decisions made in conjunction with the police. The company also pledged to enhance inter-sectoral coordination with all stakeholders.

Authorities reminded drivers of vehicles with three or more axles to adhere to regulations outlined in a joint decree issued February 5, 2026, by the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, the National Police Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas Polri), and the Directorate General of Highways of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. This decree concerns restrictions on the operation of goods vehicles during the mudik and return flow periods.

Looking ahead to the anticipated peak of the return flow on March 24th, Jasa Marga is urging travelers to plan their journeys carefully. The company will also offer toll discounts during the return flow period, from midnight on March 26th to midnight on March 27th.

Rivan Purwantono stated that Jasa Marga encourages travelers to adjust their departure times to support smoother traffic flow and ensure a safer and more comfortable journey during the 2026 mudik and return trips.