A record-breaking 270,315 vehicles traveled on Indonesian toll roads on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, marking the highest volume of traffic during the current “mudik” (exodus) period, according to PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk.
This figure represents a 98.3% increase compared to typical traffic levels and a 4.6% rise over the peak of the 2025 Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) holiday travel, the company reported. The surge in travelers underscores the importance of the annual homecoming tradition in Indonesia.
Rivan A. Purwantono, Director of PT Jasa Marga, explained that the total count was accumulated from four main toll gates: Cikupa (westbound), Ciawi (southbound), and Cikampek and Kalihurip Utama (eastbound).
“We also recorded the highest number of vehicles heading towards the Trans Java toll road, reaching 175,754 – a 6% increase compared to last year’s peak,” Purwantono said in a written statement on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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Despite the record-high volume, traffic flow was effectively managed through the implementation of traffic engineering measures, according to Jasa Marga. Congestion was primarily observed on the MBZ elevated road and the lower section of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road.
“To anticipate the surge in vehicles, Jasa Marga, in coordination with the police, implemented contraflow measures, expanding one lane to three, and a national one-way system from kilometer 70 to kilometer 414,” Purwantono added. “The volume of vehicles on both routes reached an all-time high during their operation.”
Authorities aimed to resolve congestion within 12 hours, and by 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026, traffic conditions had reportedly returned to normal with average vehicle speeds recovering.
“Jasa Marga will continue to optimize the use of technology as a ‘decision support system’ to support traffic engineering decisions made by the police based on current field conditions,” Purwantono stated. “We will also continue to strengthen intensive intersectoral coordination involving all stakeholders.”
Jasa Marga also reminded drivers of vehicles with three or more axles to comply with the Joint Decree issued on February 5, 2026, by the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, the Traffic Corps of the National Police, and the Directorate General of Highways of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, regarding restrictions on the operation of goods vehicles during the Lebaran 2026 homecoming and return flow periods.
Looking ahead to the return flow, Jasa Marga advises travelers to plan their journeys carefully, avoiding the anticipated peak on March 24, 2026 (three days after Lebaran). Travelers can grab advantage of toll discounts available from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM on March 26-27, 2026.
Real-time traffic information is available through the Travoy application, the 133 call center, the @PTJASAMARGA X account, Travoy FM radio on Sonora 92.0 FM Jakarta and its network, and Jasa Marga Group’s official social media channels.
“As with the outbound journey, Jasa Marga urges the public to schedule their return trips to support smooth traffic flow and ensure a safe and comfortable Lebaran 2026 travel experience,” Purwantono concluded.
(kil/kil)
