Ahead of Lebaran 2026, Motorists Urged to Prioritise Safety When Parking
JAKARTA — Ahead of Lebaran 2026, the public is being urged to increase vigilance against potential criminal activity that typically rises during the extended Lebaran holiday period.
Travel preparation activities, shopping for holiday necessities, and plans for short recreational trips often result in vehicles being left parked longer in public spaces—a situation frequently exploited by criminals to commit theft.
Several tourist areas, such as Puncak in Bogor, are expected to become increasingly crowded with people seeking early holidays or avoiding peak periods. This situation makes parking areas one of the vulnerable hotspots.
Jusri Pulubuhu, Training Director and founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), has reminded motorists to be selective when choosing parking locations for vehicles that will be left unattended for extended periods.
“Especially when parking, don’t park haphazardly on the roadside if you plan to leave your vehicle for an extended time. It’s better to find a secure parking area or one with security personnel,” Jusri told Kompas.com.
If official parking areas are unavailable, motorists are advised to select locations that are open and busy with public activity. Although requiring a slightly longer walk to the destination, this approach is considered safer.
“Choose a safe, busy parking location, even if you have to walk a bit further to your destination—it’s better than suffering losses. Safety and comfort are choices; it’s simply a matter of whether you want them or not,” he said.
Beyond parking location, motorists are also advised not to leave valuables in their vehicles, such as mobile phones, laptops, bags, or jewellery. If bringing such items is unavoidable, they should be stored in hidden places to avoid visibility from outside the vehicle.
He also reminded vehicle owners to ensure their vehicle’s security systems are functioning properly, such as alarms or additional locks. Whilst not providing complete assurance, these devices can help reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
“In conclusion, no matter where you are, you must remain vigilant. Don’t dismiss minor matters that, unbeknownst to you, could cause losses to yourself,” he said.