Jakarta. Indonesia will enforce a nationwide one-way traffic scheme starting Tuesday to brace for the peak of the 2026 Eid return exodus, as authorities move to prevent severe congestion across major highways.

National Police Traffic Corps Chief Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho said the large-scale traffic engineering measure, set to begin on March 24, was agreed upon following coordination with the National Police chief, the Transportation Ministry, toll road operator Jasa Marga, and state insurance company Jasa Raharja.

“The traffic corps will implement a national one-way scheme for the return flow starting March 24, in line with the National Police chief’s directive and joint evaluation with relevant stakeholders,” Agus said in a statement received on Monday.

Authorities project this year’s return traffic will unfold in two major waves: the first between March 23–24, and the second on March 28–29.

On-ground preparations have been underway since March 22, including the gradual rollout of localized one-way systems before the nationwide scheme takes effect.

“With this pattern, we expect congestion to be dispersed and travel to remain smooth,” Agus added.

Meanwhile, Operation Ketupat 2026 spokesperson Senior Commissioner Marupa Sagala urged travelers to stagger their return schedules, highlighting the government’s Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy as a key tool to ease traffic buildup.

“We urge the public to take advantage of the WFA policy so that return trips can be carried out gradually,” Marupa said.

Police also pointed to toll road discounts scheduled for March 26–27 as an added incentive for motorists to avoid peak travel dates, aiming to distribute traffic more evenly.

Each year, the mass movement of millions during Eid poses one of Indonesia’s largest logistical challenges. Since the introduction of systematic one-way and contraflow schemes in recent years, authorities have significantly reduced gridlock along major arterial roads and the Trans-Java toll network..