Banten Police Prepare Traffic Management at Merak Port Ahead of Tidal Flooding During Eid Homecoming

Banten Police have held a coordination meeting to prepare for the 2026 Eid homecoming exodus. During the meeting, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki highlighted preparations to anticipate tidal flooding predicted to occur between 19 and 22 March.

“Based on the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), there is potential for tidal flooding between 19-22 March, so we are taking precautionary measures. I will coordinate with the Merak Port Authority (KSOP) and the Merak Ferry Service Company (ASDP),” Hengki said at Banten Police Headquarters in Serang City on Wednesday (25 February 2026).

Hengki explained that under normal conditions, the government implements traffic engineering at ports around Merak. Ciwandan Port handles motorcycles and Class 5 trucks. Bojonegara Port serves three-axle trucks or Class 7, 8, and 9 vehicles, whilst Merak Port manages pedestrians, private cars, and buses.

“This traffic management will take effect from 13 March and end on 29 March 2026,” Hengki said.

However, if tidal flooding occurs, alternative traffic engineering will be implemented. Motorcycles and trucks will be diverted to Merak Port.

“Class 5 and 6B vehicles and motorcycles, due to this contingency, will be redirected to Merak in coordination with the port authority and ferry service company,” he said.

Meanwhile, Banten Provincial Secretary Deden Apriandhi stated that all parties will collaborate to manage the 2026 homecoming flow. He said the province will maximise healthcare personnel deployment during the homecoming period.

“The Police Chief emphasised that we must ensure adequate healthcare workers to meet public needs. Therefore, we from the provincial government will cooperate with district and city authorities to establish health posts to support returning migrants,” he said.