National Police Chief Inspects Merak Port to Ensure Mudik Preparedness
The National Police Chief (Kapolri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, together with several ministers, inspected the readiness of service operations for the 2026 Lebaran exodus at Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten, on the first day of Operation Ketupat 2026, Friday, 13 March 2026. The Head of the Traffic Corps of the National Police (Kakorlantas Polri), Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, also attended the inspection.
The inspection was conducted to ensure the preparedness of personnel and port facilities in serving travellers crossing from Java to Sumatra. The activity was also part of inter-ministerial and institutional coordination in anticipating potential surges in public movement during the mudik period.
The National Police Chief explained that the force had received briefings from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, the Banten Police Regional Command, and the Lampung Police Regional Command regarding preparedness for managing passenger traffic during the Lebaran exodus. The briefings demonstrated several innovations prepared to ease potential vehicle queues in the Merak–Bakauheni crossing area.
“This includes an online ticketing system and reorganisation of all wharves, which are no longer differentiated. All these policies are expected to help reduce vehicle queues,” said Sigit.
Additionally, expanded buffer zones and alternative ports were being prepared to reduce vehicle congestion heading to the port. Vehicle traffic management was supported by a command centre monitoring traffic conditions in real time during the mudik period.
The National Police Chief also ensured security preparedness during travellers’ journeys, both in the port area and aboard vessels. Personnel were positioned at various points to anticipate potential security disruptions during the mudik period.
The National Police, together with relevant agencies, also prepared service facilities for travellers, such as rest posts and field kitchens that could be utilised by the public during their journey.
“We hope this year’s mudik can proceed safely and smoothly, with all stakeholders providing maximum service to the public,” said Sigit.
The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Pratikno, conveyed that the potential movement of people during this year’s mudik was estimated to be very large. Based on a survey by the Ministry of Transport, the number of mudik travellers is predicted to exceed 143 million people.