East Java Police Urge Public Not to Conduct Roadside Takbir Processions
Surabaya (ANTARA) - The East Java Regional Police (Polda Jatim) has urged the public not to carry out takbir keliling on main roads during the Eve of Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah to maintain security, safety, and traffic order during the Semeru Ketupat Operation 2026.
“The Eve of Idul Fitri is synonymous with takbir activities, but we urge that they not be conducted by going around; it is sufficient to do so at respective locations such as mosques or prayer rooms,” said the Director of Traffic for Polda Jatim, Senior Commissioner of Police Iwan Saktiadi, in Surabaya on Friday.
According to him, takbir keliling using vehicles, especially open ones, has the potential to cause traffic accidents and friction between community groups.
“If conducted on the road with open vehicles, this is prone to accidents and also has the potential to cause friction that could lead to conflict,” he stated.
To anticipate this, Polda Jatim has prepared security through the deployment of personnel at various strategic points, including operating 168 security posts, 42 service posts, and 24 integrated posts.
In addition, they have recorded an increase in mudik traffic to East Java based on data from several toll gates, with a vehicle volume increase of around 10 percent.
“Overall, there is indeed an increase of about 10 percent, especially evident from indicators at toll gates and density at rest areas,” he said.
Despite the increase, traffic conditions in East Java remain relatively under control, with density and slowdowns at several points but no significant congestion yet.
Iwan added that they are also providing free mobile health services for mudik travellers at several support points around Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi as part of the Semeru Ketupat Operation 2026 to support safe mudik.
“This service is free as part of the Semeru Ketupat Operation 2026, to realise Safe Mudik for Happy Families,” said Commissioner Iwan.
In addition to health checks, officers are also providing advice and counselling regarding safety and order during the mudik journey.