Data-Based Traffic Engineering: Polri's Key to Reducing Fatalities by 31% During 2026 Eid Exodus
Polri, together with relevant stakeholders, successfully reduced the number of fatalities by 31.19% during Operation Ketupat 2026. The transformation in traffic management engineering based on real-time data and digital technology became the determining factor for the safety of millions of Eid travellers this year.
This was revealed during the analysis and evaluation (anev) of Operation Ketupat 2026 and KRYD, held on Wednesday (1/4/2026). The agenda was led by Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, attended by Traffic Corps Chief Irjen Agus Suryonugroho as the head of the Operation Ketupat 2026 task force.
Irjen Agus revealed that the handling of Eid outbound and return traffic flows for 1447 H has entered a new era. Traffic engineering is now conducted with a precision approach, where every intervention decision is based on accurate digital parameters.
Polri’s Traffic Corps implemented precise and measured traffic engineering, from traffic diversions, contraflows, to one-way systems both at local and national levels. These efforts proved effective in alleviating congestion and maintaining smooth public mobility, as evidenced by the increased passenger movement across all transport modes during the Eid period.
The anev data recorded 285 traffic engineering interventions along the exodus routes. The details include 205 traffic diversions, 39 contraflows, 39 local precision one-ways, and 2 national precision one-ways.
Unlike previous years, the determination of when and where to start one-way or contraflow now relies on traffic accounting technology up to artificial intelligence (AI). Vehicle volume data is directly transmitted to the Polri Traffic Corps Command Centre, allowing officers to perform immediate interventions.
The effectiveness of this traffic flow management directly impacts public safety. Polri succeeded in reducing fatalities by 31.19%. The national traffic accident rate also fell by 6.31%, while the number of seriously injured victims decreased by 13.8%.
One of this year’s standout innovations is the use of local precision one-way systems. This scheme allows officers to engineer traffic in ‘segments’ at specific congestion points, without closing entire national routes. This minimises disruptions for local communities while accelerating congestion relief at fatigue points like rest areas.
In addition, the strict enforcement of the joint decree limiting three-axle and above goods transport was monitored digitally through the ETLE Drone Patrol Precision. This aerial surveillance ensures main routes remain free from heavy vehicles that could cause drastic slowdowns and fatal accident risks.
Polri’s success in reducing fatalities by 31.19% has been appreciated by many parties, considering the volume of vehicles entering and leaving Jakarta reached 6,244,933 units during the operation period.
In this anev, the Police Chief overall assessed that the security of Eid outbound and return traffic in 2026 ran positively. This success is inseparable from the close cross-sectoral synergy and collaboration during the operation. Throughout the outbound and return flows, the Police Chief also visited various regions to ensure smooth traffic flow and that the public was well served.
According to the Police Chief, the success of Operation Ketupat 2026 is also due to various stimuli from President Prabowo’s government, ranging from toll and public transport discounts, free exodus programmes, to WFA/WFH policies that proved effective in dispersing traffic density concentrations. The strict enforcement of the joint decree limiting three-axle and above goods transport also had a significant impact.
On this occasion, the Police Chief also gave high appreciation to all Polri personnel. However, he also emphasised several important points to follow up. One of them is to conduct in-depth evaluations to improve services for next year’s Operation Ketupat.
Irjen Agus asked all Polri Traffic Corps principal officers, traffic directors, to traffic substation chiefs to follow up on the Police Chief’s directives. He urged them to maintain the positive momentum by prioritising public-touching services.
Post-Operation Ketupat, Irjen Agus emphasised the importance of upholding the Polri institution’s dignity through traffic duties. He instructed his ranks to elaborate on the flagship ‘Polantas Menyapa dan Melayani’ programme as the main foundation in interacting with drivers.
“Let us all uphold Polri’s dignity through traffic duties, and elaborate on the Polantas Menyapa dan Melayani programmes,” stressed the two-star general.
Irjen Agus emphasised dialogic methods and super-humanistic approaches in carrying out daily duties. According to him, public traffic awareness is not only built through law enforcement but also through gentle education.
With a more humanistic service spirit, Polri’s Traffic Corps is committed to continuing to reduce accident rates in the future through the presence of solution-oriented officers in the field.
“Through dialogues, super humanistic to create traffic awareness and create kamseltibcarlantas (traffic security, safety, order, and smoothness),” he stated.