Government Successfully Realizes Smooth Return Flow of Eid 2025

By: Akbar Bramantyo

The homecoming and return flow of Eid has always been a major challenge for the government and all stakeholders in the transportation and infrastructure sectors. However, 2025 has recorded a new history with the smoothest homecoming flow in the last two decades. This success is the result of strong synergy between the government and various stakeholders who work to ensure infrastructure readiness and the effectiveness of traffic engineering.
Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Habiburokhman, assessed that the smooth homecoming flow this year occurred in various regions, not only at Merak Port. According to him, solid coordination between the National Police Traffic Corps, the Ministry of Transportation, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, and various related ministries and institutions ensure that traffic is well managed. Ready infrastructure and increasingly better services are the main factors in creating a smoother and safer journey.
This success cannot be separated from the significant role of the Ministry of Public Works which has made various efforts to improve road infrastructure. Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that improving road infrastructure and the effectiveness of traffic engineering, especially the national one-way system, are the main keys to this success. In his field inspection on the vital route of the North Coast (Pantura) of Java, he directly observed that the traffic flow to Jakarta was running smoothly. Significant improvements to national roads have contributed greatly to improving the comfort and safety of travelers.
One of the main strategies in managing the homecoming and return flow is the implementation of the one-way and contra flow systems on the main toll roads. This policy has proven effective in reducing vehicle density on toll roads and accelerating the movement of vehicle flow. At several strategic points, the implementation of odd-even also helps reduce the spike in vehicles returning to the capital at the same time.
In addition to traffic engineering, the Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy also plays an important role in reducing the density of the homecoming and return flow. With this policy, vehicle density can be spread more evenly over a longer period of time. The government also continues to urge the public to arrange their travel schedules so that there is no congestion at the peak of the return flow.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), ensured that all ministries and institutions have prepared anticipatory measures to ensure smooth return flow. Various strategies such as one-way system, contra flow, and odd-even rules are implemented on the main routes to Jakarta and surrounding cities. With the peak return flow estimated to occur on April 6 and 7, coordination continues to be strengthened to ensure safe and comfortable travel.
Technological support in traffic management is also a determining factor in the success of this year’s homecoming and return flow. The government has optimized the use of CCTV-based traffic monitoring technology, real-time data analysis, and integration of traffic information through digital applications. By monitoring traffic flow in real time through surveillance cameras and digital applications, the public can obtain the latest information on road conditions. This allows them to choose alternative routes to avoid congestion, so that vehicle distribution is more even.
The government also continues to urge the public to utilize official traffic information from the National Police Traffic Corps and the Ministry of Transportation so that travel is more comfortable and safe. With better coordination and continued innovation, the synergy between infrastructure readiness and traffic engineering is increasingly solid in supporting the mobility of the Indonesian people.
In addition to technical factors, public awareness is also an important aspect in the smooth flow of homecoming and return trips. Discipline in driving, compliance with traffic regulations, and awareness to follow the travel schedule recommended by the government contribute greatly to reducing congestion on the highway. The government also continues to increase driving safety campaigns to increase driver awareness of the importance of maintaining safety during the trip.
The success of managing the homecoming and return trips this year confirms the effectiveness of the government’s steps in national transportation management. The Indonesian House of Representatives even gave awards to all stakeholders who have worked hard to ensure the smooth flow of homecoming this year. With various strategic steps that have been implemented, it is hoped that this success can become a new standard in the management of homecoming and return trips in the years to come.