National Police Chief Warns of Heavy Rain Risk During 2026 Eid Exodus, Orders Disaster Readiness Alert
Jakarta – National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has instructed all personnel to heighten their vigilance against potential disasters during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus and return travel period.
This directive was delivered by Sigit while leading the 2026 Ketupat Operation troop assembly at the National Monument complex in Central Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
In his address, the National Police Chief cited predictions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicating that weather conditions during the Eid exodus period would likely be characterised by cloudy skies and heavy rainfall.
Consequently, all personnel involved in the Ketupat Operation have been placed on full alert to anticipate various natural disasters that could disrupt the smooth travel of the public.
“Special vigilance is necessary against potential hydrometeorological disasters, particularly in southern Indonesian regions such as Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara,” he stated.
“For this reason, comprehensive readiness is required, including the establishment of disaster response teams, supporting facilities and infrastructure, and disaster management measures across the pre-disaster, during-disaster, and post-disaster phases,” added the National Police Chief.
Furthermore, Sigit revealed that the peak outbound Eid exodus is projected to occur in two waves: on 14–15 March and 18–19 March. The peak return travel period is predicted for 24–25 March and 28–29 March.
To manage traffic congestion, the government has implemented various traffic management policies during the exodus period. These include restrictions on freight vehicle operations, implementation of one-way systems and contra-flow traffic management, as well as odd-even vehicle policies.
Traffic regulation has also been extended to maritime crossings and the utilisation of vehicle weighing stations as rest areas for travellers.
“I therefore hope that all personnel will adhere to and promote implementation of these regulations, so they can be properly understood and executed,” he explained.
The National Police Chief also reminded personnel to anticipate potential threats to public security and order during the Eid period, including street gang activities, illegal street racing, and potential inter-group conflicts.
He ordered routine patrols to be intensified, including through involvement of community security elements (Pam Swakarsa), particularly in locations and times prone to security disturbances.
Additionally, all police units from the precinct level to the regional police headquarters are instructed to conduct surveys of residences left vacant by occupants during the exodus period. Police are also directed to provide vehicle storage facilities to assure the public of the safety of their belongings.