Jakarta – Indonesian traffic police are urging travelers returning to Jakarta to stagger their journeys and take advantage of remote work options to avoid anticipated congestion on toll roads this week. The advice comes as authorities prepare to implement, and potentially extend, a one-way traffic system designed to manage the peak of the post-holiday arus balik, or return flow.
National Police Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) Chief Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho specifically advised against attempting to return to the capital on March 24th. “We urge the public, with the availability of work from anywhere (WFA), not to pile up on March 24th,” he told reporters on Monday, according to reporting from Detik News. The goal is to ease pressure on key highway sections as millions conclude their Lebaran holiday travels.
The one-way system, intended to facilitate smoother traffic flow towards Jakarta, is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM local time (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, March 25th, 2026, spanning from Kilometer 414 on the Kalikangkung Toll Road to Kilometer 70 on the Cikampek Utama Toll Road. However, authorities are prepared to extend the policy beyond its initial timeframe if traffic volume remains high.
Potential Extension of One-Way System
Kakorlantas Agus indicated the one-way system could remain in effect through Thursday, March 26th, depending on real-time traffic conditions. “If the one-way system on the 24th is congested, we will extend it on the 25th. We will implement another one-way system. So there will be one-way systems on the 24th, 25th, and even the 26th if the return flow continues,” he explained. This flexibility aims to prevent prolonged gridlock on major routes.
The decision to extend the one-way system will be based on continuous monitoring of traffic density and flow rates. Police have been preparing a range of traffic management strategies to handle the anticipated surge in vehicles, but are hoping to mitigate the worst of the congestion through proactive messaging and encouraging staggered travel.
Work From Anywhere as a Solution
The emphasis on “work from anywhere” (WFA) policies reflects a broader effort to leverage the increasing prevalence of remote work to alleviate pressure on transportation infrastructure during peak travel periods. The Indonesian government has previously promoted WFA as a means of reducing congestion and improving air quality in major cities. This latest appeal builds on that initiative, urging companies to allow employees to continue working remotely if possible.
“We suggest that those of you currently traveling home do not have to depart on the 24th. You can depart on the 26th or 27th. There is work from anywhere, the state provides the freedom to choose your travel so that there is not a very dense buildup,” Agus added. This message is targeted at individuals who have the flexibility to adjust their return travel dates without significant disruption.
Preparing for Arus Balik
Beyond the one-way system and WFA recommendations, Korlantas Polri has outlined a comprehensive plan to manage the arus balik. This includes increased police presence along major toll roads, the deployment of traffic monitoring technology, and the establishment of rest areas with adequate facilities for travelers. Authorities are also coordinating with toll road operators to ensure efficient toll collection and provide real-time traffic updates to motorists.
The police have not released specific figures on the expected volume of returning travelers, but anticipate a significant increase in traffic following the extended Lebaran holiday. The success of the traffic management plan will depend on a combination of effective enforcement, proactive communication, and cooperation from the public.
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Looking ahead, authorities will continue to monitor traffic conditions closely and adjust their strategies as needed. The next key checkpoint will be the assessment of traffic flow on March 25th, which will determine whether the one-way system is extended beyond its initial schedule. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest traffic updates through official channels, including the Korlantas Polri website and social media accounts.
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