Police chief, ministers launch one-way traffic for Eid return flow

hartono · Mar 24, 2026

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, opened the national one-way system for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr return flow at the Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Semarang, Tuesday (March 24, 2026). (ANTARA/I.C. Senjaya/rst)

Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s police chief, alongside three cabinet ministers, on Tuesday launched a one-way traffic scheme from Kalikangkung toll gate in Central Java to ease congestion during the peak of the Eid al-Fitr return flow.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo was joined by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in initiating the measure.

The rollout of the one-way system was marked by a flag-off ceremony led by the police chief and the ministers at the Kalikangkung toll gate in Semarang.

Pratikno said the policy forms part of broader traffic management efforts to ease congestion as millions of holiday travelers return to major cities after the Eid break.

“This measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of motorists,” he said.

He added that the nationwide one-way implementation coincides with the projected peak of return travel, expected to occur on Tuesday.

Listyo said the one-way system applies from KM 414 at Kalikangkung toll gate in Semarang to KM 70 at Cikampek Utama toll gate, a key gateway to the capital Jakarta.

Beyond Cikampek Utama, authorities will implement additional traffic engineering measures to prevent bottlenecks on routes leading into Jakarta.

The police chief urged travelers returning from their hometowns to prioritize safety and remain cautious throughout their journeys.

Authorities expect traffic volumes to remain high over the coming days, supported by flexible travel arrangements such as the work-from-anywhere policy that allows staggered return schedules.

The one-way system is a standard measure deployed during peak holiday travel periods in Indonesia, particularly along the Trans-Java toll road, which carries a large share of intercity traffic.

Officials said coordination among police, transport authorities and other agencies would continue to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize disruptions.

They also called on motorists to follow instructions from officers on the ground and to comply with traffic regulations.

The government aims to reduce travel time, prevent congestion and maintain safety as millions of Indonesians complete their annual Eid journeys back to urban centers.