National Police Chief, Coordinating Minister and Military Commander Conduct Air Patrol to Monitor Jakarta-Merak Mudik Traffic
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Menko PMK) Pratikno and Military Commander General Agus Subiyanto, visited Merak Port in Banten today on the first day of Operation Ketupat 2026. The Police Chief travelled to Merak by helicopter as part of an air patrol operation.
The Police Chief and his entourage departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026, at approximately 08:45 Western Indonesian Time. The Police Chief travelled in a Caracal helicopter, accompanied by Deputy Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Wamenko Polkam) Lieutenant General (Retired) Lodewijk Friedrich Paulus, Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, and Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.
From the air, the Police Chief directly monitored traffic flow on arterial routes and toll roads leading to the Merak area in Banten. The situation has been reported as conducive thus far. The patrol aims to ensure smooth vehicle flow on the first day of Operation Ketupat 2026.
Upon arrival at Merak Port, the Police Chief, Coordinating Minister, Military Commander and entourage proceeded to inspect the vessel from the second floor of the executive dock. They then moved to the Sosoro Room on the third floor to receive technical briefings regarding strategies for managing Eid exodus and return traffic in 2026.
During this occasion, General Sigit was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Police Commissioner Mohammad Fadil Imran, Head of Traffic Police (serving as Chief of Operations for Operation Ketupat 2026) Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, and Chief of Public Relations Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir.
In the coordination meeting, Managing Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Heru Widodo presented Merak Port’s readiness to serve travellers. Banten Provincial Police also presented their traffic management strategy. One key measure being implemented is the delay system, which involves slowing or holding back vehicle flow towards the port by utilising rest areas along the toll route to Merak.
Additionally, Lampung Provincial Police virtually reported to the Police Chief regarding readiness at Bakauheni Port. The Police Chief sought to ensure that the delay system and traffic management protocols at both ports are properly integrated.
After receiving briefings and providing direction, General Sigit and his entourage descended into the field to inspect the Integrated Security Post and Disaster Standby Command Posts that have been established. The presence of these posts represents a precautionary measure against weather dynamics and potential security disturbances during the mudik period.
The Police Chief previously emphasised that the primary focus of the National Police in Operation Ketupat 2026 is public safety, in accordance with instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. The slogan “Safe Mudik, Happy Family” is being implemented through humanitarian service and officer presence at critical points.