Head of the Polri Traffic Corps, Irjen Pol Agus Suryonugroho.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The surge in the 2026 Eid al-Fitr return traffic peaked on three days after Eid al-Fitr, or Tuesday, March 24, 2026. A total of 256.338 vehicles were observed entering Jakarta through four main toll gates. This volume increased drastically by 99,02 percent compared to normal traffic volumes.

This information was conveyed by the Head of the Polri Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas Polri), Irjen Pol Agus Suryonugroho, referring to data from the analysis and evaluation (anev) report for Day 12 of Operation Ketupat 2026.

As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. WIB, the accumulated number of vehicles returning to Jakarta had reached 1.958.838. This figure is equivalent to 58 percent of the projected total return traffic of 3,4 million vehicles.

“The return flow increased sharply and peaked on D+3, March 24, 2026. Compared to the same period in 2025, there was a 14,87 percent increase in inflow,” explained Irjen Pol Agus on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Although the projected peak of the first wave of return flows has passed, Irjen Pol Agus continued, vehicle movement into Jakarta will remain high for the next few days. This estimate is based on data indicating that millions of vehicles are still in their hometowns.

In contrast to the inflow of vehicles, the flow of vehicles out of Jakarta has actually continued to decline significantly. As of D+3, the total number of vehicles leaving the capital was recorded at 2,52 million units, or approximately 72 percent of the projected total of 3,5 million vehicles.

“The remaining return flow is still quite large, around 1.441.162 vehicles, or 42 percent. This flow is predicted to continue flowing into Jakarta for the next few days,” Irjen Pol Agus added.

Furthermore, regarding the estimated remaining 42 percent of travelers who have not yet returned, Irjen Pol Agus urged them to plan their return journeys wisely. The public can take advantage of the work from anywhere (WFA) policy issued by the government for civil servants (ASN) and a similar appeal for the private sector.

By working online from their hometowns, travelers are expected to delay their return after the peak of the return flow, thereby reducing congestion on main routes.

“Use this WFA policy wisely. People don’t need to rush home all at the peak of the return flow. By staggering their return journeys, the journey will be much more comfortable and avoid long traffic jams,” said the Irjen Pol Agus in his message.

He also issued a stern warning to travelers regarding safety and smooth travel. Travelers were reminded not to use the shoulders of toll roads as rest areas. This method is considered highly dangerous and a major cause of congestion on toll roads.

“The shoulder of the road is only for emergencies, not for resting or sleeping. If you’re tired, please go to the nearest rest area or exit onto the main road to find a safe place to rest. Stopping on the shoulder of a toll road carries a high risk of rear-end collisions and obstructing the flow of other vehicles,” Irjen Pol Agus emphasized again.

“We’re not only tasked with regulating traffic flow, but we also have to ensure every return trip is safe until you arrive home,” he added. (Bembo)