Indonesia’s Eid Homecoming: Navigating Toll Road Payments and Avoiding Fines

As millions of Indonesians prepare for mudik – the annual Eid al-Fitr homecoming – smooth toll road access is crucial. This year, travelers need to be particularly aware of payment systems and potential fines associated with improper e-toll usage. Understanding the differences between open and closed transaction systems, ensuring sufficient e-toll balances, and avoiding the sharing of e-toll cards are key to a hassle-free journey.

Understanding Open vs. Closed Transaction Systems

The Indonesian Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) emphasizes the importance of understanding toll transaction systems to avoid complications. There are two primary systems:

Open Transaction System

In an open transaction system, motorists pay the toll upon entering the toll booth. The gate automatically opens when the e-toll card is presented. No further payment or card scanning is required upon exiting. Using one card for multiple vehicles may be permissible on toll roads utilizing this system, though it’s still advisable to use a personal card.

Closed Transaction System

The closed transaction system requires motorists to tap their e-toll card both at the entry and exit gates. The portal will only open if the same e-toll card used for entry is presented at the exit, and the balance is sufficient. The BPJT strongly recommends using a personal e-toll card or ensuring the same card with adequate funds is used throughout the journey.

The Risks of Sharing or Lending E-Toll Cards

Borrowing or lending an e-toll card can lead to significant penalties, particularly on toll roads with a closed transaction system. Using a single e-toll for multiple vehicles violates Indonesian Government Regulation Number 15 of 2005, Article 86, concerning the Rights and Obligations of Toll Road Users.

Violators may face a penalty of double the farthest toll rate on a closed-system toll road section. For example, if the toll to Semarang is approximately IDR 400,000, a fine of up to IDR 800,000 could be imposed for lending an e-toll card to another driver. Payment errors can also occur when using unregistered or another person’s e-toll card.

Free Toll Roads During Eid 2026

To facilitate the 2026 Eid homecoming, the government will functionalize ten toll road sections for free. These sections collectively span 290.785 kilometers and are located across Trans Java (150.77 km), Trans Sumatra (89.78 km), and Kalimantan (50.23 km) toll networks. Sixteen functional rest and service areas (TIP) will be available to support travelers. BPJT is committed to ensuring all operational toll roads meet minimum service standards.

Six additional toll road sections will also be opened for free during the 2026 Eid homecoming period as they are opened functionally, and temporarily. IRVIL.COM

Traffic Volume on the MBZ Elevated Toll Road

Traffic volume is already increasing as the Eid homecoming approaches. On March 13, 2026, 39,085 vehicles exited Jakarta via the Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ) Elevated Toll Road, a 25.84% increase compared to normal traffic levels (31,060 vehicles). In the opposite direction, 28,669 vehicles entered Jakarta, an 18.58% increase from the usual 24,177. Tempo.co reports that a total of 67,754 vehicles used the MBZ Elevated Toll Road on March 15, 2026 (H-8 of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah).

Key Takeaways

• Always use your personal e-toll card.
• Ensure your e-toll card has sufficient balance.
• Understand the difference between open and closed transaction systems.
• Avoid lending or borrowing e-toll cards.
• Be aware of potential fines for improper e-toll usage.

By following these guidelines, travelers can contribute to a smoother and safer Eid homecoming experience.