Tangerang, Banten. Indonesia is gearing up for one of its largest annual homecoming periods, with an estimated 143.9 million people expected to travel during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr season. Chief Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) outlined a series of measures to prevent congestion and ensure smooth traffic along major routes.

“We are addressing bottlenecks along major routes, especially Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra, by providing rest areas, buffer zones, and other facilities,” Agus said at the send-off of B-Universe’s 2026 Eid homecoming (mudik) coverage team at Tokyo Hub PIK 2 in Tangerang on Tuesday.

The government has identified two peak periods for outbound travel — March 14–15 and March 18–19 — and two for return traffic on March 24–25 and March 28–29. Fare discounts of up to 17% on tolls, train tickets, and flights are being offered to ease the burden on travelers.

For the fourth consecutive year, the B-Universe media network — comprising BTV, Beritasatu.com, Investor Daily, and Jakarta Globe — will provide real-time coverage of land, sea, and air routes from March 12 to 23. Executive Chairman Enggartiasto Lukita urged reporters to deliver accurate updates and suggest alternative routes during congestion.

State-owned toll operator Jasa Marga Tbk (JSMR) expects roughly 3.5 million vehicles to leave Jakarta for mudik, with outbound traffic peaking on March 18. Vehicle volumes are expected to start rising from Friday this week due to the extended holiday period, while the return peak is forecast for March 24.

“Providing information is essential because travelers need accurate updates under all conditions,” said Jasa Marga President Director Rivan A. Purwantono. He detailed that about 28% of vehicles will head toward Merak, 50% east along the Trans-Java Toll and Cipularang Toll, and 20% toward Bogor. Of the eastbound traffic, approximately 57% will continue on the Trans-Java Toll, while 42% will use Cipularang.

In addition, toll road operator Astra Infra aims to be fully prepared 10 days before Eid, expected on March 20 or 21, carrying out road maintenance, deploying personnel, and positioning 90 support vehicles, including tow trucks and ambulances.

“All infrastructure maintenance and service readiness are expected to be completed 10 days before Eid to ensure safe and smooth travel,” said Deddy Pradityo Opficon, Astra Infra’s Head of Corporate Communications.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps has finalized its security and traffic management plan for Operasi Ketupat 2026, aimed at reducing accidents and maintaining order. Wibowo, Director of Traffic Registration, outlined five key focus areas: highways and arterial roads, ports, terminals and stations, airports, and tourist and religious sites.

Traffic management measures will include temporary road closures, contraflow systems, one-way lanes, and alternative routes to ease congestion. Reserve routes on the Jakarta-Cikampek 2 South in West Java and the Serang-Panimbang Toll in Banten will also be available. Ports will deploy buffer zones and delay systems to manage vehicle flow, while restrictions on large trucks aim to ensure smooth travel.