Indonesia Prepares Telecom Networks for 40 Percent Traffic Surge During Eid Travel
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) and mobile network operators are preparing for a significant rise in telecommunications traffic during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr travel period. The government estimates that public communications traffic could increase by up to 40 percent, driven by an extended holiday period and flexible work arrangements. A coordinated national monitoring effort has been put in place to maintain service quality, protect radio frequency spectrum, and support public safety during peak travel.
Extended holiday expected to drive higher network demand
Secretary General of Kemkomdigi, Ismail, said this year’s Eid holiday is unusually long, lasting around two weeks due to the government’s Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy. Speaking on behalf of Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, he noted that the extended break is likely to place additional pressure on mobile and data networks nationwide.
“Libur Lebaran tahun ini menjadi periode yang cukup istimewa, karena durasinya relatif panjang. Seiring dengan kebijakan Work From Anywhere (WFA), libur Lebaran menjadi dua minggu. Kondisi ini diperkirakan akan berdampak pada peningkatan trafik telekomunikasi hingga sekitar 40 persen,” — Ismail, Secretary General, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs
The statement was delivered during a joint roll call for the Telecommunications Service Quality and Radio Frequency Spectrum Monitoring Post, held at the Kemkomdigi office in Central Jakarta on 13 March 2026. According to Ismail, the monitoring task force is designed to ensure that travellers remain connected throughout the annual mudik journey.
Nationwide monitoring of spectrum and service quality
Director General of Digital Infrastructure Wayan Toni Supriyanto explained that service monitoring will be conducted through 35 regional units of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Monitoring Centres (Balai Monitor), operating from 13 to 29 March 2026. These units will oversee network performance and guard against spectrum interference during peak travel days.
The monitoring posts are connected to Kemkomdigi’s Telecommunications Monitoring Centre, which acts as the national coordination hub. This approach builds on broader efforts to strengthen connectivity and spectrum management, as outlined in Indonesia’s digital infrastructure expansion and ongoing work on spectrum optimisation.
Strategic locations along major transport routes
In addition to regional monitoring centres, Kemkomdigi has established nine strategic posts in areas with high passenger volumes, including major airports, railway stations, ports, and highway rest areas. These locations cover key gateways such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Merak and Bakauheni ports, and rest areas along the Trans-Java toll road.
Wayan said the joint posts aim to protect public safety by ensuring uninterrupted communications that rely on radio frequency spectrum during the mudik period.
“Pelaksanaan posko bersama ini bertujuan menjaga keselamatan masyarakat dengan memastikan komunikasi dan informasi yang menggunakan spektrum frekuensi radio tidak mengalami gangguan selama masa mudik,” — Wayan Toni Supriyanto, Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs
Emergency communications and early warning systems
Beyond network stability, Kemkomdigi is also ensuring that emergency communication systems remain fully operational. This includes support for the national Early Warning System, which disseminates disaster information through SMS broadcasts and digital television.
The public can also access the emergency call number 112, which is currently available in Jakarta and around 190 cities and regencies nationwide, to report urgent situations while travelling.
Kemkomdigi said the measures reflect close coordination between government agencies, state-owned and private operators, including Telkom, Telkomsel, XLSmart and Indosat. Further details were published in the official government release on the Kemkomdigi website and can be accessed via the original source.
