Teknowarta JAKARTA — The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is strongly urging travelers to fully utilize Work From Anywhere (WFA) arrangements to help manage the anticipated surge during the peak return flow, projected to occur on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Aan Suhanan, Director General of Land Transportation at Kemenhub, highlighted the significant challenge posed by the peak return flow, predicting that an astounding 285,000 vehicles will make their way back to the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek).
“We appeal to the public to take advantage of the extended WFA period, enabling them to return on March 25, 26, or 27,” Aan stated in a press release on Monday, March 23, 2026, emphasizing the importance of staggered travel.
Preparations by Jasa Marga on the Cikampek Toll Road are intensifying ahead of the Peak Return Flow on March 24.
The WFA policy, initially implemented for employees in government and State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), is now being encouraged for the private sector. Aan called upon private employers to also grant their staff the flexibility to leverage WFA in planning their post-holiday return journeys.
“It is our hope that private sector employers will provide their employees with the flexibility to utilize WFA in arranging their return schedules,” he elaborated, underscoring the collective effort needed for smooth traffic management.
Minister of Transportation Dudy has also reminded travelers to avoid the Lebaran Peak Return Flow on March 24, 2026.
According to Aan, this strategic approach is critical given the massive vehicle congestion experienced during the recent peak departure flow. The primary objective, he noted, is to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for all road users, preventing a repeat of overwhelming traffic bottlenecks.
Based on data from Jasa Marga, as of March 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM WIB, 39.9% of the projected 3.4 million vehicles had already entered Jakarta. This calculation includes traffic through the four main toll gates: Cikupa, Ciawi, Cikatama, and Kalihurip Utama.
Vehicle volume is predicted to reach 285,000 during the Lebaran Peak Return Flow in 2026.
“We also remind the public to use rest areas responsibly. Maximize your stay to 30 minutes to allow others to use the facilities, or consider utilizing rest stops located outside the toll road network,” Aan advised, emphasizing efficient use of public amenities.
Furthermore, he cautioned travelers against stopping and resting on road shoulders, highlighting the extreme dangers this poses, including increased risk of traffic accidents and exacerbating congestion. The Ministry hopes for strong collaboration among all stakeholders and the public to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable return flow for everyone.
Earlier, Rivan A. Purwantono, President Director of PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk, had also appealed for cooperation from road users regarding their return timing during the peak return flow. He strongly recommended that travelers adhere to government directives to avoid returning on the busiest day, March 24, 2026.
“We earnestly request all members of the public planning their return journey to select the departure times recommended by the government,” Rivan stated, reinforcing the critical message.
Rivan also reminded travelers about a 30% toll discount available for two days during the return flow period, specifically on March 26-27, 2026. This discount applies to continuous journeys across nine Jasa Marga Group toll road segments, offering a financial incentive for off-peak travel.
“This initiative aims to effectively manage the distribution of return flow traffic volume, ultimately providing a more comfortable travel experience for the community,” Rivan concluded, underlining the benefits of the staggered return strategy.
Summary
The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) strongly urges travelers to utilize Work From Anywhere (WFA) arrangements to manage the anticipated peak return flow on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Director General Aan Suhanan predicts 285,000 vehicles will return to Greater Jakarta, encouraging return dates of March 25, 26, or 27 instead. This WFA recommendation, initially for government and SOE employees, is now extended to the private sector to ensure smooth traffic and prevent congestion.
Kemenhub emphasizes this strategic approach is crucial to avoid severe traffic bottlenecks, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for all. Jasa Marga is also preparing and advising against returning on March 24, while offering a 30% toll discount on March 26-27 for specific segments to incentivize staggered travel. Travelers are reminded to use rest areas efficiently and avoid stopping on road shoulders for safety.