Deputy Police Chief: Homecoming Exodus Traffic Surges 15% on First Day; Roads Remain Clear
Deputy National Police Chief Komjen Dedi Prasetyo reported that the homecoming exodus during the first day of Operation Ketupat 2026 experienced a surge compared to the same period in 2025. The traffic increase is estimated to have risen by 15 per cent.
Komjen Dedi made the statement while inspecting the Integrated Post at KM 57A Rest Area on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road on Saturday, 14 March 2025.
“For the traffic surge on the first day of Operation Ketupat 2026, we have already seen a 15 per cent increase compared to last year. Although there was a slight decrease on the second day because it is still daytime, we predict the first wave of the homecoming exodus will occur tonight on 14-15 March,” said Komjen Dedi.
He detailed that in 2025, 66,000 vehicles used the toll road section up to KM 57. However, by today, 75,000 vehicles have already passed through. Nevertheless, he assured that traffic flow remains smooth.
“We monitored from the air, from Jakarta to KM 29. Overall, from our aerial observations, traffic flow is moving very smoothly,” explained Komjen Dedi.
According to him, the increase in traffic during the night typically occurs after people break their fast, pray, and attend evening prayers. Additionally, travellers tend to prefer night journeys to avoid the daytime heat.
Because of this, Komjen Dedi urged police units to prepare contingency measures, including optimising traffic management teams as rapid-response units in the field.
“These traffic management teams are crucial as rapid-response units to properly monitor field dynamics and ensure traffic flow remains smooth,” he said.
Furthermore, Komjen Dedi reported that by the second day of the operation, traffic accident figures were recorded as having declined by 92 per cent compared to last year with zero fatalities.
“Thankfully, by the second day, we expect traffic accident figures to be better compared to 2025. We have seen a 92 per cent decrease, which is extraordinary,” stated Komjen Dedi.
“We hope this condition can be maintained so that all travellers returning home arrive at their destinations safely,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of utilising traffic counting data from the command centre to determine traffic management measures quickly and accurately during the homecoming period.
“This is important as baseline data, and accurate analysis of traffic counting is crucial in determining what traffic management strategies we can use, so that traffic flow can be properly controlled,” he stressed.
During the same occasion, Komjen Dedi appreciated the innovations implemented by the West Java Regional Police in securing the homecoming exodus this year. According to him, several service programmes prepared could serve as a model for other regions.
He cited the presence of integrated thematic posts and mosque service points that provide rest, entertainment, and worship facilities for returning travellers. Additionally, iftar meals are available to assist travellers observing the Islamic fasting month.
“These innovations are excellent for providing the best service to the community, in line with the Operation Ketupat motto of ‘Safe Homecoming, Happy Family’,” he said.
Dedi also highlighted the ‘Smiling Officers’ programme, a mobile patrol involving female police officers and female military personnel providing assistance and encouragement to travellers at rest areas.
According to him, rest area management is also an important concern because these locations are primary resting points for travellers using toll roads, including those coming from Sumatra heading to West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
He reminded the public not to rest on toll road shoulders due to the high risk of accidents. Should rest areas reach capacity, officers are instructed to maintain security and mitigation measures around the location.