Police Chief Ensures Smooth Return Flow at Bakauheni, Traffic Engineering Effective
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo today directly inspected the return flow situation at Bakauheni Port, Lampung. The movement of holidaymakers from Sumatra to Java is proceeding smoothly thanks to strategies and close synergy among all stakeholders, as well as effective traffic engineering.
“Today, I, together with the Minister of Transportation, visited Bakauheni to ensure the latest developments regarding the peak return flow, estimated to start from last night until today, and we will continue to monitor it until tonight,” said General Sigit to reporters at the Integrated Post in Bakauheni on Saturday (28/3/2026).
General Sigit appreciated the cross-sectoral coordination that has successfully kept the situation at Bakauheni Port in the green zone or normal. This was achieved through buffer zone management and an orderly delay system.
“Earlier, we directly heard reports from the Provincial Police Chief and the ASDP Director regarding conditions in the Bakauheni area. Thank you that both the return flow and the outbound trip yesterday were all handled well,” said General Sigit.
“The engineering scheme has been prepared, but with good management starting from the delay system, buffer zones, to arrangements related to ticket checks, alhamdulillah, everything can be maintained so the situation remains normal or green,” he continued.
The Police Chief explained that based on data from Lebaran transport during Operation Ketupat Krakatau 2026, the outbound flow through Merak Port and BBJ Bojonegara recorded 913,533 passengers and 213,940 vehicles.
The peak outbound flow occurred on H-3 or 18 March 2026 with 199,667 passengers and 51,444 vehicles. Meanwhile, the return flow through Bakauheni Port and BBJ Muara Pilu recorded 620,094 passengers and 157,672 vehicles.
The peak return flow occurred on H+3 or 24 March 2026 with 129,794 passengers and 35,686 vehicles.
From the comparison of outbound and return flows, there is still a shortfall of 293,439 passengers and 56,268 vehicles that have not yet returned to Java Island.
To support security and services around Bakauheni Port, the National Police has prepared 12 Security Posts, 1 Integrated Post, 1 Service Post, and 1 SAR Command Post, each typically staffed by 25 security personnel. Additionally, 19 buffer zones capable of accommodating 5,090 vehicles have been prepared.
In 7 buffer zones at Rest Area 20B, 33B, 49B, and 87B, as well as Pospam Gayam (former Weighbridge), Tiga Saudara Restaurant, and Lampung Selatan Expo, facilities have been provided including health posts, security posts, ticket screening, and ASDP ticket sales to support the smooth regulation of the return flow.
At Rest Area 49B and Rest Area 20B, real-time CCTV monitoring of the Bakauheni Port situation has also been installed.
Furthermore, a temporary halt on ticket sales for certain vehicle classes has been implemented, along with a single-price tariff policy, namely the regular fare, to avoid disparities by prioritising the First Come First Served principle.
To anticipate disasters and sea accidents, the National Police has also mobilised personnel and support facilities to ensure a rapid response to emergency conditions.
Although Operation Ketupat 2026 has ended, the Police Chief emphasised that security will continue through Enhanced Routine Activities (KRYD) until 29 March. The main focus remains on reducing fatal accident rates, which this year have already dropped significantly by 112 lives compared to last year.
“Therefore, I once again urge the public, especially those still on long journeys, to be extremely careful,” he added.
“Rest areas and buffer zones have been prepared by the government; utilise them well so that when you are back in condition, refreshed, you can continue your journey, ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely,” he continued.
During the Police Chief’s inspection in Bakauheni, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, National Traffic Corps Chief Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal, Lampung Provincial Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf, and other regional leadership forum members were present. ASDP Director Heru Widodo and all stakeholders at Bakauheni Port also welcomed them.