8.2 Million People Predicted to Travel to Yogyakarta During Eid 2026 Holiday Period, 25 Security Posts Prepared
Yogyakarta is expecting approximately 8.2 million people to enter the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) during the Eid holiday and return journey period in 2026. According to the Regional Police Chief, Irjen Pol Anggoro Sukartono, this forecast is based on Transport Ministry data showing Yogyakarta as a major destination for holidaymakers.
“Based on Transport Ministry data, the Special Region of Yogyakarta province is a destination for public activities during the peak return journey period, predicted to reach 8.2 million people,” said Anggoro following a Forkopimda coordination meeting at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
He noted that these millions will not arrive simultaneously but will be dispersed throughout the holiday period, utilising various modes of transport including private vehicles, trains, and aircraft. Nonetheless, the regional government, working alongside the TNI-Polri, is preparing various anticipatory measures ranging from security and traffic management to disaster preparedness to address the surge in mobility.
Anggoro highlighted that the increased movement of people is expected to create several risk points, including traffic congestion, potential criminal activity, and natural disaster risks. Several locations predicted to experience overcrowding include Tugu Station, Lempuyangan Station, Yogyakarta International Airport, and various tourism destinations across DIY.
“There will certainly be risk points and locations that could generate issues based on survey results, where congestion, crime rates, and natural disasters will emerge,” he said.
Twenty-Five Security Posts Prepared
To anticipate these potential risks, the Regional Police have prepared 25 security posts distributed across all districts and municipalities in DIY. These posts will be strengthened with involvement from various agencies, including health services and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which are preparing support facilities for returning holidaymakers.
“The preparations we are making—covering infrastructure, equipment, personnel readiness, and coordination—include 25 police security posts throughout the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in cities and districts, and at certain critical points there will be more,” he said.
This year’s Eid security operations will be conducted through Operation Ketupat Progo 2026, which will run from 13 to 25 March 2026 involving various stakeholders.
“The TNI-Polri are ready to implement security operations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which will be prioritised in the implementation of Operation Ketupat Progo 2026, to be carried out from 13 to 25 March simultaneously. This requires synergy in that this activity must be conducted by all parties, not just the police,” he said.
Healthcare services will also remain on standby throughout the extended holiday period.
“From the health service perspective, 24-hour emergency posts are being established regarding readiness, and even with the long holiday period, hospitals and health centres will operate 24 hours,” he said.
Beyond traffic and tourism security, the government is also anticipating potential natural disasters given that rainfall is predicted to remain high until April, particularly in areas prone to landslides such as Gunungkidul.
Earlier, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi predicted that peak congestion during the 2026 Eid holiday period (1447 AH/2026 CE) would occur on 16 and 18 March 2026. This forecast is based on government simulations of projected population movement.