Motor Mudik Phenomenon: Metro Police Command Prioritises Safety, Traffic Fines as Last Resort

The Traffic Directorate (Ditlantas) of the Metro Police Command (Polda Metro Jaya) has issued a stern warning to people planning to travel home for Lebaran 2026 using motorcycles. Travellers are urged not to carry excessive baggage (overload) or travel with more than two persons in order to ensure safety during the journey.

Brigadier General Komarudin, head of the Metro Police Traffic Directorate, emphasised that carrying excess weight on two-wheeled vehicles endangers not only the rider but also other road users. He suggested the public take advantage of free travel programmes offered by various government and private institutions.

“Make an effort to use free travel programmes. Hundreds of thousands of slots are available from various ministries and agencies. Take advantage of that rather than forcing yourself to ride a motorcycle with excess baggage,” said Komarudin in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).

Komarudin highlighted the phenomenon of motorcyclists carrying large baggage items on both the front and rear of their vehicles, whilst also carrying children. According to him, this condition carries significant risk of triggering accidents, particularly amid current weather anomalies that frequently change unexpectedly.

“Besides being uncomfortable, this endangers safety if baggage falls or does not fit properly. The same applies to four-wheeled vehicles—do not place baggage on the roof excessively beyond capacity. This can pose a threat to other road users,” he added.

Regarding enforcement in the field, Komarudin stated that police prioritise a preventive and proactive approach. Officers in the field will conduct checks to provide advice and encourage travellers to reorganise their baggage to make it safer.

“Law enforcement is the final step. We will target overloaded travellers, but we will first ask them to tidy up. We prioritise education,” he stressed.

The 13-day Ketupat Operation 2026 is being conducted nationally from 13 to 25 March, with various support measures in place including the deployment of 140 personnel by Bali’s Basarnas at ports, airports and tourist destinations; toll-free operations on certain highway sections; and free travel services by rail and maritime operators transporting hundreds of thousands of returning residents.