Beware of the 143 Million Travelers in 2026, MTI Urges the Government to Command One Door
JAKARTA - The tradition of Lebaran homecoming 2026 is predicted to experience an extraordinary spike in mobility. Based on a survey by the Transportation Policy Agency (BKT) of the Ministry of Transportation, an estimated 143.9 million people are expected to travel to their hometowns on Eid al-Fitr this year.
Responding to this massive phenomenon, the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) emphasized the importance of synchronizing national transportation policies. This is necessary so that the movement of millions of people takes place smoothly, safely, and with minimal risk of accidents.
One Command for Managing the Homecoming Flow
MTI Chairman, Haris Muhammadun, stated that although the government has prepared various positive steps, integrated management remains the main key. MTI encourages the formation of a National Eid Transportation Control Command under the control of the Ministry of Transportation.
"The synchronization of transportation policies is necessary not only to solve congestion, but also to mitigate accidents and accommodate public transportation and logistics movements," Haris said in an official statement, Monday (9/3/2026).
To support the smooth flow of the 2026 homecoming, the government has prepared a series of traffic engineering schemes and incentives, including:
Traffic Engineering: Implementation of one-way, contra-flow, and odd-even systems on certain toll roads. Tariff Incentives: Discount toll and public transportation tariffs. Work Flexibility: Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy to break the rush hour rush. Free Homecoming Program: Free transportation including motorcycle transportation facilities via train, sea vessel, and truck.MTI provides special notes regarding the high number of travelers who use motorbikes. Given the high risk of accidents, MTI suggests that the government expand free motor homecoming facilities so that the public can switch to safer modes of transportation.
In addition, MTI asked that the operational arrangements for freight be carried out fairly. The proposed strategy is to shift some of the logistics burden from the highway to the train or sea vessel so that the distribution of national goods is not completely stopped during the Lebaran period.
The Importance of Real-Time Information for Travelers
One of the crucial recommendations of the MTI is the development of an integrated information system. The public is expected to be able to monitor field conditions in real-time, including:
Public transportation capacity and schedule. Toll road density and alternative routes. Queues at ferry ports. Weather forecasts and mitigation of potential disasters.More than just mobility, MTI views the 2026 homecoming as a strategic economic momentum. The movement of 143.9 million travelers is a great opportunity for the tourism, culinary, and UMKM sectors in the destination areas.
With an integrated and data-based policy, it is hoped that this year's homecoming journey will not only be a safe travel record, but also make a real contribution to the national economy.