A survey conducted by the Ministry of Transportation through the Transportation Policy Agency, in collaboration with Kompas Research and Development, predicts that the potential movement of people during the 2025 Eid Homecoming period will reach 146.48 million people.
Private cars remain the dominant choice among the five main transportation modes for the 2025 Eid holidays.
The survey indicates that around 33.69 million people, or 23 percent, plan to travel using private cars.
Buses will primarily use the trans-Java toll road, while motorcycles are expected to crowd arterial and alternative routes.
Considering the survey results, Dr. Dewanti, an expert and researcher from UGM’s Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies (Pustral UGM), emphasizes the need to prepare and anticipate traffic issues during the homecoming travel period.
According to Dr. Dewanti, toll roads remain a mainstay for travelers using private cars and intercity buses (AKAP).
Various traffic engineering evaluations implemented by the government to manage traffic flows during previous Eid homecoming seasons should be taken into account when managing traffic on toll roads in 2025.
“The implementation of one-way systems or contra-flow should be applied to shorter sections of toll roads to reduce the potential for accidents and minimize the impact of traffic jams on non-toll roads,” she said on Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025.
She also stressed the importance of caution when traveling on arterial and alternative roads, which are often crowded with large vehicles such as trucks and buses, passenger cars, motorcycles, and even non-motorized vehicles.
Roadside activities such as markets, shops, and street vendors spill onto the roads.
“This condition could exacerbate congestion and increase the risk of accidents,” she said.
Another concern that Dr. Dewanti mentioned is the unpredictable weather.
Sudden heat waves and heavy rains accompanied by strong winds present their own challenges, especially for motorcyclists.
These weather changes can affect travelers’ physical conditions, making them more prone to fatigue or drowsiness, particularly in traffic jams.
The government is expected to provide information on congestion-prone areas and disaster zones, such as floods and landslides.
“All risks must be identified and widely communicated to the public, including alternative routes and evacuation routes so travelers can choose safer paths,” she said.
Dr. Dewanti highlighted the importance of security and health posts in anticipating various safety and health issues.
On non-toll roads, such facilities serve as central points for travelers to access essential services.
Meanwhile, rest areas on toll roads should be well-prepared to ensure travelers can rest and maintain their health.
“These preparations aim to ensure travelers can rest adequately at rest areas. Ambulances should also be stationed at these locations to quickly respond to accidents and provide life-saving evacuations during the golden hour to reduce fatalities,” she explained.
The presence of police personnel, transportation officers, and toll road operators to monitor traffic is crucial to providing travelers with a sense of security.
Their presence is expected to expedite the handling of congestion and accidents.
It is hoped that all relevant parties will cooperate to ensure smooth and safe journeys for this year’s homecoming.
“Travelers should also prepare themselves well. Everyone must ensure that they are ready for the trip by behaving safely, being disciplined, and following traffic rules to maintain overall road safety,” she concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang
Photograph: MTI archives