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SEMARANG, Indonesia – Travelers faced significant delays on Monday, March 23, 2026, as traffic backed up for eight kilometers along the route to the Bawen toll plaza on the Semarang highway. The congestion, stretching from the Selamat Jalan gate in Salatiga to the Bawen toll entrance, began building in the late afternoon and persisted for over six hours, impacting thousands returning from Lebaran celebrations.
The severe traffic jam transformed what is typically a 10-minute drive into a frustrating ordeal lasting upwards of 30 minutes for motorists. The delays weren’t limited to those approaching Bawen; traffic as well slowed to a crawl in the opposite direction, as a large volume of vehicles entered the toll road from Ungaran, exacerbating the situation.
“Last year, the traffic wasn’t like this at all. I didn’t expect it to be so bad, taking 30 minutes just to reach the Bawen terminal, especially this late at night,” said Ozi, a resident of Salatiga heading to Semarang, describing the unexpected gridlock. The congestion extended beyond the highway itself, with four-kilometer backups reported along the Pasar Babadan Ungaran to RSUD Ungaran stretch, and long lines forming at gas stations along the route.
The impact of the congestion rippled through public transportation as well. Dika, a traveler from Pacitan en route to Salatiga, reported difficulties finding available buses at the Tirtonadi Terminal. “They said there were fewer buses running because they didn’t want to get stuck in traffic. I waited 40 minutes to get a bus, when usually you can just walk on and find one. I met someone from Yogyakarta who had been waiting for over two hours,” he explained.
Dika’s journey was further complicated by additional traffic bottlenecks in Boyolali and Tengaran, Semarang Regency. He finally boarded a bus at 3:00 PM and arrived in Salatiga around 6:00 PM. The increased demand also led to inflated prices, with bus fares nearly doubling from the usual Rp 25,000-Rp 30,000 to Rp 40,000 for the Solo-Salatiga route.
“The trip usually takes about two hours from Solo to Salatiga, but it took almost an hour longer because of the traffic, especially in Tengaran. And the price was higher, too. I usually take Safari, but all that was available was New Ismo. What else could I do but wait longer?” Dika added.
Arus Balik Congestion: A Wider Trend
The congestion near Bawen is part of a broader pattern of heavy traffic experienced across Java during the peak of the arus balik, or return flow, following the Lebaran holiday. Reports from other regions indicate similar challenges for travelers. The Bocimi toll road towards Sukabumi is also experiencing significant congestion, with conditions expected to worsen on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Factors Contributing to the Delays
Several factors likely contributed to the severe congestion. The sheer volume of vehicles returning to major cities after the holiday is a primary driver. The increased traffic is compounded by the limited capacity of the Bawen toll plaza to process vehicles efficiently. Weather conditions also played a role, with heavy rain reported in the Semarang area, particularly in Banyumanik, further slowing traffic and reducing visibility.
Authorities have not yet released official figures on the total number of vehicles affected by the congestion. But, anecdotal evidence from travelers suggests that thousands were impacted, with significant disruptions to travel plans.
What Travelers Can Expect
While the peak of the arus balik is expected to continue for several days, authorities are implementing measures to manage the flow of traffic. These include increased traffic patrols, lane adjustments, and real-time traffic updates disseminated through social media and traffic apps. Travelers are advised to monitor traffic conditions closely before and during their journeys, and to consider alternative routes or travel times if possible.
The National Police have deployed additional personnel to monitor key highway sections and provide assistance to stranded motorists. The Ministry of Transportation is also coordinating with toll road operators to optimize traffic flow and address any bottlenecks that arise. However, significant delays are still anticipated, particularly during peak hours.
Travelers are encouraged to check the latest traffic updates from official sources, such as the Jasa Marga Traffic Information Center (https://www.jasamarga.com/) and the National Police Traffic Corps (https://korlantas.polri.go.id/), before embarking on their journeys.
Authorities are expected to provide a more detailed assessment of the traffic situation and any further mitigation measures in a press conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The focus will be on managing the remaining peak travel days and ensuring the safe and efficient return of travelers to their homes.
This situation underscores the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements and better traffic management strategies to accommodate the increasing demands of holiday travel in Indonesia. As the arus balik continues, travelers are urged to exercise patience and prioritize safety.
Share your travel experiences and stay updated on traffic conditions in the comments below.
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