National Police Chief Directs Personnel to Remain Alert Despite Predicted Drop in 2026 Exodus Travellers

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has instructed all ranks within the police force to maintain readiness throughout the Eid exodus period for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebrations, despite predictions that the number of travelling Indonesians will decline.

According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, public movement during this year’s exodus season is predicted to reach 143 million people. This figure represents a decline compared to the previous year, which reached 145 million people.

Listyo stated that survey data, predictions and statistics often differ from actual conditions in the field during implementation.

“From the Ministry of Transportation survey, there has indeed been a decline of roughly one point several percent, from 145 million to 143 million. However, in practice, from the results of surveys in the previous year, there were differences between the survey results and field reality,” said Listyo during an inspection of the exodus at Gubeng Station in Surabaya on Sunday (15 March).

According to him, the difference between survey data and field conditions is evident from direct monitoring at critical points such as Merak Port. At that location, the volume of private vehicles and public transport actually showed a significant increasing trend compared to initial estimates.

“So in the field there was an increase. Similarly, when we conducted checks at Merak yesterday, there was also an increase in trips for both passengers and private vehicles as well as transport vehicles passing through,” he said.

Listyo instructed all personnel to remain in a state of readiness. Preparations for additional transport facilities have also been coordinated, ranging from additional train sets to ferry fleets to prevent overcrowding at departure points.

“So, of course we must still prepare ourselves and not underestimate the survey predictions that exist, so that when there is potential for a surge, everyone is ready,” he said.

“At the train earlier I asked whether there were additional trains, and KAI is also preparing them. Similarly, when we checked at the ferry crossing, additional ships are being prepared if needed,” he added.

Listyo guaranteed that the government would endeavour to implement the best scheme so that the exodus and return traffic for Eid al-Fitr 2026 runs smoothly without significant obstacles.

“Of course we are preparing for all possibilities if there are matters that require extra service. Clearly, the government will provide the best service and do the utmost to provide services during the 2026 exodus,” he said.