EN.malanginspirasi.com – Traffic volume in East Java during the Lebaran homecoming period has risen sharply this year. According to data from the East Java Regional Police (Polda Jatim), the total number of vehicles entering and leaving the province between 13 and 24 March 2026 reached 1,938,668 units.
The figure represents an 18% increase, or an additional 300,676 vehicles, compared with the same period in 2025, when 1,637,992 vehicles were recorded.
Senior Commissioner Jules Abraham Abast, Head of Public Relations at Polda Jatim and Spokesperson for Operasi Ketupat Semeru 2026, said the rise reflects strong public mobility during this year’s Eid celebrations.
“Overall, there has been an increase in traffic flow on both arterial roads and toll roads. The total number of vehicles entering and exiting East Java rose by about 18% compared to last year,” Abast stated on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Read Also:
Operasi Ketupat 2026 Day 10 Safe and Conducive: No Major Incidents Reported
On toll roads alone, 1,483,303 vehicles passed through, marking a 10% increase. Arterial roads saw even more dramatic growth at several points, with the Magetan arterial route recording a surge of more than 400%.
Passenger numbers using public transport also climbed significantly. A total of 2,544,309 passengers were recorded, up 22% from 2,097,163 passengers in the same period last year.
“Passenger spikes were evident across all modes — land, sea, and air. This indicates that this year’s mudik activities have been very dynamic,” Abast added.
Breakdown by transport mode:
- Air transport: Juanda International Airport saw a 13% increase to 522,135 passengers.
- Bus terminal: Purabaya Terminal recorded 472,519 passengers, up 22%.
- Railway stations: Gubeng Station posted a 41% rise to 326,493 passengers, while Pasar Turi Station increased 18% to 210,016 passengers.
- Sea transport: Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi jumped 21% to 904,814 passengers. However, Tanjung Perak Port experienced a 21% decline.
Despite the significantly higher volume, Abast emphasised that the entire mudik and balik operation ran safely and smoothly.
“Alhamdulillah, even though there was a quite significant increase, the public order and traffic safety situation remained conducive. This is thanks to the synergy of all parties involved in securing Operasi Ketupat Semeru 2026,” he concluded.
