RRI.CO.ID, Bekasi City - State-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga Tbk predicts that the exodus traffic will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026, with the peak expected on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

“This long holiday is the right time to travel. Next week, there are two holidays: Nyepi Day on March 19 and Eid al-Fitr on March 21, 2026,” said PT Jasa Marga President Director Rivan Purwanto on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Rivan said Jasa Marga has recorded vehicle movement starting from 26 days before the holiday until 20 days before. Based on company data, traffic has increased by about 3.26 percent compared to normal conditions, or 4.15 percent higher than the previous year.

“There is already movement compared to normal, so it has increased from last year,” he said.

Jasa Marga estimates that 3.5 million vehicles will leave Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) during the 2026 exodus period. The vehicles are expected to spread across three main routes: Merak, the East (Trans Java and Cipularang), and Bogor.

The distribution is projected at around 28 percent toward Merak, 50 percent toward the East, and 20 percent toward Bogor. Rivan noted potential congestion at Kilometer 66 due to the high volume of vehicles heading East.

“For the eastbound route, 57 percent will go to Trans Java and more than 42 percent to Cipularang,” he said.

He added that 62 rest areas along the Jakarta–East Java route are ready to accommodate travelers during their journey.

Meanwhile, defensive driving instructor Rifat Sungkar reminded travelers to make extra preparations, as the exodus coincides with the rainy season and high rainfall. He advised checking vehicle equipment that may come into contact with water, including tires and other emergency gear.

“The success of the exodus trip also depends on the travel route. Usually, we only have one option, but with Jasa Marga’s Travoy app, travelers can access several route alternatives,” he said. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)