Facing Peak Lebaran Return Flow 2026, Police Prepare Contraflow in Merak
Serang, VIVA – The Lebaran return flow in 2026 is expected to reach its peak in the coming days. To anticipate the surge of vehicles from Sumatra to Java Island, the Banten Regional Police are preparing a traffic engineering scenario in the form of contraflow in the Merak area.
This measure is prepared as part of the return flow security strategy, particularly on routes leading to and from Merak Port, which every year becomes a crucial point of vehicle density. The police have also mapped out vulnerable times for surges in returnees.
Head of Public Relations of Banten Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Pol Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, stated that the peak return flow from Merak Port to Java Island is expected to occur on 28 to 29 March 2026.
“The predicted return flow to Java Island from Merak Port is expected on 28 and 29 March 2026,” said Maruli.
He explained that the police have mobilised personnel at several congestion-prone points, especially around access to the Merak Toll Gate. Officers will be fully prepared to regulate traffic flow and disperse queues if vehicle build-ups occur.
In addition, Banten Regional Police have coordinated with toll road managers to implement a contraflow system if traffic conditions show a significant increase in vehicle volume. Not only that, mobile rider officers are also prepared to quickly disperse congestion for vehicles entering or exiting the toll area.
“We have also coordinated with toll road managers to implement contraflow if needed, and prepare mobile riders to disperse vehicle build-ups entering or exiting the toll gate,” he clarified.
Maruli also urged returnees heading back to Java Island to always follow the instructions of officers on the ground. He emphasised that compliance with traffic arrangements is very important so that the return flow journey can proceed smoothly, safely, and without incident.
With the various anticipatory measures prepared, it is hoped that the extreme congestion typically occurring during the return flow in Merak can be minimised, allowing returnees to reach their destinations more comfortably.