The Ministry of Transportation has projected that the number of people traveling during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holiday season will increase. They project this holiday will be 2.71 percent higher compared to the same period during the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year holidays.
In response to the rising projections, the government plans to offer toll road discounts throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast that nearly all regions in Java may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms from Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 10, 2026. Therefore, the public is urged to remain vigilant while driving by always complying with traffic signs and using helmets and seat belts.
UGM transportation expert, Dr. Dewanti, reminded members of the public who plan to use private vehicles to prepare by maintaining good health throughout the journey.
“Good physical condition is very important when driving,” she said on Tuesday (Dec. 30).
In addition, she advised drivers to carefully review the routes they plan to take, considering areas prone to landslides and accidents, and to continuously monitor weather forecasts and traffic conditions.
“We are currently in the rainy season, and hydrometeorological disasters can potentially occur anywhere,” she explained.
According to Dr. Dewanti, the government consistently provides information on disaster-prone areas, traffic congestion, and the availability of rest areas to ensure smooth traffic flow at year-end.
“Vulnerable points such as landslide-prone areas, traffic congestion, the availability of rest areas, and their facilities must be communicated well in advance, while also ensuring that road conditions and traffic signs function properly,” she said.
For public transportation operators, Dr. Dewanti emphasized the importance of strong coordination among various transport service providers to ensure vehicle readiness and prevent accidents.
“Operators must always ensure that vehicles are roadworthy so that accidents or collisions on the road can be avoided,” she noted.
Dr. Dewanti added that well-managed traffic flow can contribute to smoother travel and fewer traffic accidents than in previous years. Road user safety remains the top priority amid extreme weather conditions that may arise during travel.
“Collaboration among various parties from the government and operators to transport providers and the public is improving to enhance safety and driving comfort,” she concluded.
Author: Jesi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik