The North Coast Road (Pantura) in Cirebon City began experiencing a significant surge in vehicle volume on Tuesday, March 24. This increase marks the early phase of the Eid al-Fitr 2026 return flow, with thousands of vehicles per hour streaming towards Jakarta.
According to the Cirebon City Transportation Agency (Dishub), the heavy flow of traffic was evident from the early hours of the day. Andi Armawan, Head of Cirebon Dishub, detailed the findings from their static field calculations, highlighting the early onset of congestion.
“Based on our monitoring from 00:00 to 20:00 WIB, the number of vehicles traveling towards Jakarta on this route has already reached 78,343 units. On average, this translates to approximately 3,264 vehicles passing through every hour,” Andi stated on Tuesday evening, March 24.
Traffic Dominated by Two-Wheeled Vehicles
Andi further explained that the current snapshot of the Lebaran return flow in the Cirebon region is overwhelmingly dominated by motorcycle travelers. Of the tens of thousands of vehicles recorded, over 80 percent were two-wheeled vehicles, indicating a substantial reliance on motorcycles for long-distance journeys.
“This condition underscores the high mobility of people returning to their home cities after celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Among the total vehicles, motorcycles significantly dominated the traffic volume, accounting for a staggering 68,364 units,” he elaborated.
The remaining traffic volume, Andi noted, comprised a mix of other transportation modes. “Other vehicles included passenger cars, goods transport vehicles, and public transportation, all simultaneously traversing the route,” he added, painting a complete picture of the diverse traffic landscape.
Andi believes that this initial rise in vehicle volume is merely the precursor to a much larger movement of travelers heading back to their places of work or residence. He stressed that the current density observed tonight is just the beginning, representing the first wave of the post-holiday return.
“We anticipate this year’s Lebaran return flow to occur in two distinct waves. The first wave is predicted to continue until tonight,” Andi said, advising continued vigilance.
Looking ahead, the agency is particularly wary of a significantly larger surge expected next weekend. “The second peak traffic is estimated to occur between March 28 and 29, 2026. This is what we collectively need to anticipate, as the volume is likely to be even heavier,” he emphasized, urging public and official preparedness.
In response to this evolving situation, the Cirebon City Dishub has strategically deployed personnel at crucial congestion-prone points. Their primary focus remains on major intersections along the Pantura arterial road, which are vital arteries for vehicle movement.
“We are continuously monitoring and implementing traffic management at several key locations, especially on the arterial routes that serve as critical points for vehicle flow within the Pantura area,” Andi affirmed, highlighting their proactive measures.
Concluding his statement, Andi issued a specific plea to all travelers undertaking long journeys during the return flow. He implored them not to disregard the critical factor of fatigue, prioritizing safety above all else to ensure a safe arrival at their destinations.
“We urge the community traveling during this return flow to remain cautious, adhere to all traffic regulations, and follow the directions of officers on the ground. Do not push yourselves if you feel tired,” he concluded, reinforcing the importance of responsible travel.
Summary
The North Coast Road (Pantura) in Cirebon City saw a significant increase in vehicle volume towards Jakarta starting Tuesday, March 24, signaling the early phase of the Eid al-Fitr 2026 return flow. As of 8 PM WIB on March 24, a total of 78,343 vehicles had passed, averaging 3,264 vehicles per hour. Notably, motorcycles dominated this traffic, accounting for over 80 percent, or 68,364 units, of the total vehicles recorded.
Authorities anticipate this return flow to occur in two waves, with a second, larger peak expected between March 28 and 29, 2026. In response, the Cirebon City Transportation Agency has deployed personnel to crucial intersections along the Pantura for traffic management. Travelers are urged to remain cautious, adhere to regulations, and prioritize rest to ensure a safe journey.