As the festive season of Lebaran continues, the main routes in Cianjur, West Java, are witnessing a significant surge in vehicle volume, particularly on April 4, 2025, known as H+2 Lebaran. This increase is primarily attributed to pilgrims returning to their hometowns, blending with tourists eager to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Observations made on Thursday morning, April 3, indicated a marked rise in traffic, leading to congestion at critical points, especially along the Puncak route.
Vehicles heading towards Bogor have been the most prevalent, creating long queues as a one-way traffic system was implemented from Bogor to Cianjur. The situation was exacerbated by the heavy influx of vehicles, prompting traffic management measures, including roadblocks by officers stationed at various posts. Many drivers opted to stop at rest areas or visit popular tourist attractions such as the Cibodas Botanical Gardens and Savilage, taking advantage of the festive break despite knowing the Puncak route would be busy.
In addition to the congestion in Cianjur, the Jasa Marga toll road authority announced the functional opening of the Jakarta-Cikampek (Japek) II South Toll Road, which connects the Jakarta Outer Ring Road in Kota Bekasi to the Purbaleunyi Toll Road in Purwakarta, West Java. Brigjen Pol Raden Slamet, from the Traffic Corps of the National Police, stated that this new toll road would help alleviate traffic congestion at the KM 66 intersection of the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road.
As of April 2, 2025, Jasa Marga reported that approximately 800,893 vehicles had utilized the functional route. The toll road allows drivers traveling from Bandung to Jakarta to enter at Japek II South and exit at KM 37 of the Deltamas Toll Gate. However, it is essential to note that the road remains in a functional status, meaning further improvements are necessary before it can operate at full capacity.
Authorities are continuously analyzing and evaluating traffic flow, with the aim of refining the management of both outbound and inbound traffic during this peak travel season. Brigjen Pol Raden Slamet emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including Jasa Marga, the Public Works Department, and the Transportation Agency, to ensure smoother travel experiences year after year.
The combination of returning pilgrims and holiday tourists has created a bustling atmosphere on the roads, with many opting for scenic stops along the way. While the increase in traffic is a sign of the vibrant holiday spirit, it also poses challenges for traffic management officials who are working hard to keep the roads safe and efficient. As families travel to reunite with loved ones or enjoy the sights of West Java, the interplay between festive joy and traffic challenges continues.
As the Lebaran holiday progresses, traffic management will remain a top priority for local authorities. The implementation of the one-way traffic system is expected to ease congestion temporarily, but ongoing evaluations will be crucial to address the traffic flow effectively. With more vehicles expected to hit the roads in the coming days, the collaboration between traffic authorities and road management agencies will be vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for everyone.
In summary, the surge in vehicle volume during the Lebaran holiday highlights the importance of effective traffic management strategies and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The functional opening of the Japek II South Toll Road represents a proactive step in addressing congestion issues, and authorities are committed to refining their approach to ensure that holiday travelers can enjoy their journeys without unnecessary delays.
