JAKARTA - Thousands of workers who are members of various trade unions held a demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR Building Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The action, which began at around 10:15 WIB, has the potential to cause severe congestion on a number of roads around the location, including the possibility of diverting traffic flow.
For motorists, the traffic jam situation due to demonstrations is nothing new. However, the stagnant road conditions can be more than a small disturbance. Not a few people feel excessive anxiety when trapped in the middle of traffic congestion.
According to clinical psychologist Joseph Rock, PsyD, anxiety at traffic jams is related to the brain's natural response system.
"When people get anxious, the body is automatically preparing to do something. This is called a fight or flight response, the body is ready to run or fight," Rock explained, quoted from the Cleveland Clinic page.
The problem is, when it gets jammed, there's no room to vent that energy.
"Nothing can be fought or a place to run. But the body remains alert, the heart is strong, the breath becomes fast and shallow, as if something bad will happen," he added.
This feeling of being trapped strengthens anxiety. The good news is that there are things that can be controlled, namely thoughts and actions of yourself.
Here are three tips from Rock to stay calm in the face of traffic jams, including today if you're stuck around the demonstration site.
1. Always Remember, This Is Not The End Of The World
It's not fun to be late, but it's often not as bad as what you imagined. Once it reaches its destination, it usually disappears within minutes. As long as it's not a habit, other people can usually understand.
2. Maintain Physical Movement To Stay Calm
Don't be provoked to keep peeking forward, moving the car a little bit, or panicking looking for traffic updates on the phone. It's just going to add to the stress.
"Make sure your breathing is regular and your muscles are not tense. Instead of fixating on things you can't control, it's better to do positive things, for example listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks," Rock suggested.
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3. Realize Body Reactions From The Beginning
If you start to feel restless, try to realize it faster. That way, anxiety can be suppressed before getting more and more in control.
Stress makes the body release the hormone adrenaline and cortisol. If not managed, the effect can last a long time even after the traffic jam is over.
"As a result, anxiety does not only appear on the road, but can be carried away until other activities after traffic jams end." said Rock.
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