National Police Chief Oversees Mudik Operations at Purabaya Terminal, Emphasises Passenger Safety
The Head of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri) General Listyo Sigit Prabowo conducted a direct inspection of Mudik transportation readiness at Purabaya Bus Terminal in Sidoarjo Regency on Sunday, 15 March. The inspection was undertaken to ensure service quality and security for the public utilising bus transportation.
During his visit, the National Police Chief interacted directly with homebound travellers undertaking both inter-city journeys within provinces (AKDP) and inter-provincial routes (AKAP). Based on field observations, the Kapolri noted an initial surge in passenger movement.
“Overall, we can see an increase in passenger numbers beginning, rising approximately 30% over the past seven days. This trend is predicted to continue rising,” stated General Listyo Sigit at Purabaya Terminal.
The Kapolri’s inspection was accompanied by the East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nanang Avianto, the Commander of Military Region V Brawijaya Major General Rudy Saladin, and the Sidoarjo Metropolitan Police Chief Senior Commissioner Christian Tobing. The Kapolri stated that the peak of the Mudik exodus is estimated to occur over the coming days.
“The peak will occur between 18 and 20 March,” said the Kapolri.
To ensure safe travel, the Kapolri emphasised that vehicle technical inspections (ramp checks) and health screening for bus crews constitute the primary priority. He stressed the importance of urine testing to detect alcohol use and drug consumption amongst bus drivers.
“This is important to ensure passenger safety, including that of drivers, is genuinely protected. Our hope is that homebound travellers can reach their homes safely, reunite with their families, and share happiness in good health,” the Kapolri stressed.
Beyond technical safety aspects, the Kapolri instructed all police personnel on duty to provide excellent service and respond responsively to any difficulties encountered by the public in the field.
“I request all deployed personnel to provide the best service. Matters related to public complaints should be responded to quickly,” said the Kapolri.
At the conclusion of his inspection, General Listyo Sigit emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral synergy to ensure that the 2026 Mudik operations run optimally, smoothly, and are able to reduce traffic accident figures.
During his visit, the Kapolri spoke with numerous prospective passengers in the waiting area. He also visited a bus bound for Jember and distributed gifts to passengers. At the end of his visit, the Kapolri symbolically distributed gifts to joint personnel at Purabaya Terminal.
Railway ticket sales during the Eid transportation period also showed an upward trend. By Sunday, 15 March evening, or six days before Eid, ticket sales had reached 214,624 units. At Pasar Senen Station on Sunday evening, passenger queues snaked through the ticket inspection area and platform entrance gates.
Free buses departed for the free Mudik gathering point at TMII Jakarta. The free music buses arrived in Klaten on 17 March 2026. The Garut Metropolitan Police Chief Junior Commissioner Yugi Bayu Hendarto stated that a one-way system was implemented to ease traffic congestion occurring on the Limbangan to Malangbong route. Traffic volume increased approximately 11.3% compared to the same period the previous day.