National Traffic Chief Accompanies Police Chief to Inspect Kalikangkung Toll Gate: Data-Driven Homecoming Traffic Management
National Traffic Police Chief (Kakorlantas) Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho accompanied Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to inspect security readiness for the 2026 Lebaran homecoming exodus at the Kalikangkung Toll Gate on Monday, 16 March. Irjen Agus stated that this year’s homecoming traffic management would be data-driven, relying on digital technology.
The inspection was conducted to ensure optimal management of traffic flow at one of the crucial junction points on the Trans-Java highway, particularly ahead of the anticipated surge in vehicle movement from homecoming travellers.
During the occasion, Irjen Agus conveyed that Operation Ketupat is not merely a traffic security operation, but a humanitarian operation involving various state stakeholders to guarantee public safety during the Lebaran homecoming period.
“Operation Ketupat is not solely focused on traffic. We certainly monitor homecoming and return flows, but all state stakeholders are present to ensure security, both during the social and spiritual moments for the community,” Irjen Agus stated in his presentation at the Integrated Post at Kalikangkung Toll Gate.
He explained that security during Operation Ketupat encompasses two main aspects: field security operations and traffic safety campaigns directed at the public.
Furthermore, Irjen Agus outlined five principal security clusters during Operation Ketupat. These clusters include toll routes and their dynamics, national arterial roads and alternative routes, transportation hubs such as ports, airports, railway stations and terminals, places of worship including Eid prayer locations and takbir gatherings, and tourist areas.
According to Irjen Agus, the visit to Kalikangkung Toll Gate aimed to directly inspect security readiness for the homecoming exodus at one of the critical points on the Trans-Java route. Additionally, checks were conducted to ensure all security systems, traffic management schemes, and public services operate optimally.
“Our core principle is simple: every homecoming traveller must arrive home safely,” he said.
Kalikangkung Toll Gate serves as a key national homecoming traffic control point, functioning as the gateway to Central Java from the western direction. Consequently, traffic management at this location is carried out in an integrated manner involving the National Police, Ministry of Transport, Jasa Marga toll operator, and regional government authorities.
“Every traffic management policy is implemented based on data and inter-agency coordination,” Irjen Agus affirmed.
In managing this year’s homecoming exodus, the National Police have prepared various dynamic Traffic Management Engineering (MRLL) scenarios to be applied situationally based on field traffic conditions. Several schemes being prepared include contraflow, local one-way systems, and national one-way schemes.
Based on evaluation results and coordination with various parties, the peak homecoming flow is estimated to occur on 18 March. However, should density parameters be reached earlier, the traffic management scheme will be implemented sooner.
Irjen Agus explained that a first-phase one-way scheme from kilometre 70 to kilometre 236 will be implemented. This scheme extends beyond the previous year, which was only applied until kilometre 188.
“Should congestion persist, this scheme will be immediately extended to kilometre 414,” he stated.
Additionally, he directed the ranks of the Central Java Regional Police Traffic Directorate to prepare local one-way schemes in the Greater Semarang and Solo agglomeration areas should vehicle volume increase on 17 March.
The National Traffic Chief also highlighted traffic management on routes towards Yogyakarta, including utilisation of functional toll roads in the Prambanan area. This arrangement is important to ensure vehicle flows from Surabaya, Jakarta and Semarang towards Yogyakarta remain controlled.
Meanwhile, this year’s homecoming security is also supported by the utilisation of modern technology. Traffic monitoring is conducted through command centres, digital traffic counting systems, CCTV networks, and drone monitoring. This technology enables officers to monitor traffic conditions in real time, allowing rapid response to any situational changes.
Beyond officer readiness, Irjen Agus emphasised that the success of homecoming exodus security also depends significantly on public discipline. He urged homecoming travellers to prepare their journeys properly, ensure their vehicles are in prime condition, avoid driving whilst fatigued, and comply with officers’ directions in the field.
The National Police, together with all stakeholders, will continue working maximally through the return flow period. Beyond field security, the National Police have also prepared a free homecoming and return programme initiated by the National Traffic Police Command. To date, approximately 20,000 participants have registered for this programme, particularly from Central Java, East Java and West Java.
“We wish to ensure that the community can undertake their homecoming journey with a sense of safety, comfort, and joy shared with family,” Irjen Agus concluded.