National Police Deploy Five Vessels at Strategic National Routes to Anticipate Maritime Accident Contingencies During 2026 Homecoming Travel
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has ensured full readiness in securing the 2026 Eid homecoming traffic, particularly along strategic maritime crossing routes throughout Indonesia. As a precautionary measure against potential maritime accidents, Polri has deployed five police vessels at strategic national routes and prepared joint personnel to address potential emergency situations in territorial waters.
Vice National Police Chief General Dedi Prasetyo emphasised that this readiness represents part of Polri’s commitment to providing maximum protection to the public through measured anticipatory measures and rapid field response.
“Yes, we do not desire this, but in emergency contingency situations when water accidents occur, this has been prepared. Yes, there are 16 vessels prepared, 320 joint personnel from the Navy, Basarnas, Maritime Police, and Polri also prepared to anticipate contingency situations,” Dedi said whilst inspecting the Bakauheni Port Security Post on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
As reinforcement along the national maritime homecoming route, Polri has deployed five main vessels positioned at the following strategic points:
• KP BIMA – 7014 (Class A3) – Ketapang Port, East Java
• KP KASTURI – 6002 (Class B1/B2) – Lembar Port, West Nusa Tenggara
• KP MANYAR – 5003 (Class B2) – Gilimanuk Port, Bali
• KP GELATIK – 5016 (Class B2) – Merak Port, Banten
• KP GAGAK – 3011 (Class C1) – Bakauheni Port, Lampung
These vessels have high operational capability, ranging from speeds of up to 30 knots, range of up to 10 days, and are equipped with safety equipment to support patrol, primary rescue (initial SAR), and rapid response in handling maritime emergencies.
As an example of readiness implementation, the Merak–Bakauheni crossing route has 16 joint vessels stationed and 320 personnel from the Navy, Basarnas, Maritime Police, Polri, and other shipping stakeholders. All forces are positioned at strategic points easily accessible to ensure rapid handling during emergencies.
This readiness is strengthened through inter-agency coordination and shipping elements, including ASDP and ferry operators, so that every potential maritime safety threat can be handled quickly, in an integrated manner, and effectively.
Additionally, Polri prioritises a real-time data-based approach in risk mitigation. Calculation of safety equipment requirements such as life jackets, fleet readiness, and evacuation scenarios is conducted thoroughly to minimise potential fatalities.
Polri predicts increased homecoming traffic at several strategic ports, including Bakauheni, beginning mid-March 2026, with peak homecoming traffic on 18–19 March 2026. Meanwhile, the return traffic is estimated to occur on 24–25 March 2026 and 28–29 March 2026.
Security is conducted in an integrated manner, not only at ports but also extending to distribution routes towards destination areas through patrols and escort operations.
Polri also appeals to the public to utilise the 110 emergency service that has been prepared. All personnel are instructed to prioritise quick response time so that every public report can be followed up swiftly, accurately, and professionally.
Through this readiness, Polri reaffirms its commitment to continue providing protection, service, and a sense of security to the public, particularly during the 2026 Eid homecoming period.