Deputy National Police Chief Reveals Current Conditions of Merak–Bakauheni Exodus Route, Vehicle Queues Beginning to Form
Lampung – Deputy National Police Chief (Wakapolri) Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo conducted direct monitoring of the 2026 Lebaran exodus traffic flow along the Merak–Bakauheni crossing route.
The monitoring was carried out from the air to ensure smooth vehicle traffic flow and verify security readiness for Operation Ketupat 2026. The results of the monitoring indicated that traffic flow from Jakarta towards Merak and in the opposite direction remained relatively smooth.
Favourable weather conditions also contributed to facilitating the journey of exodus-goers. “Overall, from the analysis conducted from the air, the situation is relatively smooth, and we are grateful for the quite good weather conditions,” said Dedi Prasetyo on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
Nevertheless, an increase in vehicle volume began to appear, particularly in the Merak Port area. Queues of two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles started to form as the number of exodus-goers intending to cross to Bakauheni increased.
Dedi also disclosed predictions regarding the peak of the exodus flow and return traffic for Lebaran this year. He mentioned that the second wave of the exodus was predicted to occur in the near term.
“The second wave of the exodus is predicted to occur on 18 to 19 March. Then the return traffic is estimated to occur on 24–25 and 28–29 March,” he said.
To anticipate the surge in vehicles, the Lampung Regional Police together with several related agencies have prepared various security measures and traffic management strategies. Reinforcement was carried out through patrols, escort operations, and traffic regulation at critical points leading to the port.
Additionally, facilities and infrastructure have been put on standby, ranging from security posts, service posts, to integrated command posts. Traffic flow monitoring is also conducted through a command centre so that vehicle movements can be monitored comprehensively.
The public was urged to plan their journeys properly and avoid peak times if possible. The police also opened assistance services for exodus-goers during their travels.
“If you require police services, please contact the 110 service and we request our personnel to respond quickly,” he said.
With these various measures, the exodus flow and return traffic for Lebaran 2026 along the Merak–Bakauheni crossing route are expected to run safely, orderly, and smoothly.