Experts Praise Polri's Traffic Directorate's Readiness, Creative Safety Campaign for Mudik 2026

Transport expert Darmaningtyas praised the readiness of the Police’s Traffic Directorate (Korlantas Polri), particularly in relying on technology to face Operation Ketupat 2026. The head of Korlantas Polri, Irjen Agus Suryonugroho, was also considered creative in campaigning for safety for travellers.

Those statements were made by Darmaningtyas after attending Special Event: Mudik Aman Keluarga Bahagia at the Bank Mega Tower, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. In this agenda, Korlantas Polri officially released the mudik 2026 tagline in accordance with the Directions of the Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, namely ‘Mudik Aman, Keluarga Bahagia’. Irjen Agus also released the song ‘Mudik Tertib, Ojo Kesusu’ together with L-Bhara Band as an education on safety for the public.

“Psychologically (the tagline and the song) it is very influential. Because people will think about how to ensure the family is happy, of course they must reach the destination safely first, then safe,” said Darmaningtyas.

According to him, in the transportation world, safety aspects are the number one priority. Therefore, he believes that creative ways of socialising safety should be undertaken.

He also praised the readiness of Korlantas Polri in the central humanitarian operation codenamed Operation Ketupat 2026. With data and ready technology, as well as synergy and collaboration with all stakeholders, it is hoped to reduce notable incidents during the peak travel period for Mudik and the Lebaran return.

“From the viewpoint of traffic engineering, this year is clearly better. Especially those passing through toll roads, because the IT on toll roads has become better, especially at Jasa Marga, so toll users are updated in real time,” said Darmaningtyas.

Although optimistic about toll road traffic management, the transportation expert pointed to the condition of non-toll road infrastructure in the region.

“The problem this year is the extent of road damage in those areas. Because budgets have been cut in the region, the region does not have funds for road maintenance,” he explained.

This condition is deemed dangerous because accident-prone points during mudik often occur after travellers leave the toll road or pass through arterial roads while fatigued.

“When they come from Jakarta, they are already sleepy by the time they reach their area, the road is damaged. I think this is something to watch out for. Moreover, if it rains, damaged roads are not visible,” he added.

Regarding this, Darmaningtyas assessed that the role of Korlantas Polri would be very limited if not supported by physical road repairs by local governments or the Ministry of Public Works (PU).

“Korlantas can only station officers on damaged roads. But if the damaged roads outnumber the officers, it’s also hard,” he said.

Moreover, he continued, the current economic conditions are difficult. He believes this could trigger an increase in the number of mudik travellers using motorcycles as a cost-saving alternative.

“I’m afraid because the economy is currently somewhat difficult, many people travel by motorcycle. If Mudik by motorbike, it goes along arterial roads, not toll roads. Meanwhile, arterial roads are not very reliable,” said Darmaningtyas.

Therefore, he hopes the government and field officers will give extra attention to arterial routes that are main corridors for motorbike travellers to reduce the fatality risk.

During the event, Irjen Agus said that the Mudik journey is not merely about reaching the destination, but also ensuring safety from departure to return. He reminded travellers not to rush and to continue obeying traffic rules for the happiness of families waiting at home.

“It’s not only at departure that you must be safe; you must also be safe on the return. So it’s as simple as: depart safe, return safe. That way people will be cheerful to enjoy the journey, especially Mudik,” he said. Irjen Agus emphasised the importance of patience on the road, not driving excessively, and respecting other road users.

Beyond traffic safety, Irjen Agus also highlighted security during the Mudik period. He said crime potential is also a concern for the officers so that people can undertake their Mudik journey with a sense of safety and comfort.

“And related to crime, that also concerns all of us,” he added.

Through the release of this song, it is hoped that the safety message can be more easily received by the public broadly. The traffic safety campaign is not only to be a formal exhortation, but also a collective movement to realise a Mudik that is safe, comfortable, and full of happiness.

Key figures present expressed full support for the campaign, including the Minister of Transportation of Indonesia Dudy Purwagandhi, Jasa Marga President Director Muhammad Awaluddin, Jasa Raharja President Director Rivan Achmad Purwantono, and CT Corp Chairman Chairul Tanjung.

Also present at this agenda were former Kakorlantas, including Kakorlantas periods 2012-2014 Irjen (Ret.) Pudji Hartanto Iskandar, Kakorlantas periods 2019-2021 Irjen (Ret.) Istiono, and Kakorlantas periods 2021-2023 Irjen (Ret.) Firman Shantyabudi.

Also present were PJU of Korlantas Polri and several Traffic Directors (Dirlantas) of Police Brigades across Indonesia as a sign of internal solidarity within Polri.