Police Chief: Predicted Peak Return Traffic to Occur in Two Waves, 24-25 and 28-29 March
Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo is giving special attention to preparations for handling the return flow after Eid al-Fitr 2026. General Sigit predicts that the peak return flow this year will be divided into two major waves, namely on 24-25 March and 28-29 March 2026.
This was stated by General Sigit after leading the monitoring of national Eid al-Fitr 1447 H Takbiran night security from the Integrated Post at Merdeka Field, Medan, North Sumatra, on Friday (20/3/2026) night.
To anticipate vehicle build-ups during these two peak waves, the Police Chief advises the public to manage their return travel times to their hometowns. One solution offered is the utilisation of the Work From Home (WFH) programme.
“The predicted first peak return flow will occur on 24 and 25 March, while the second peak on 28 and 29 March. We advise the public to avoid these peaks by utilising the WFH programme, which will be open on 25, 26, and 27 March, to reduce potential congestion,” said General Sigit.
In addition to the WFH appeal, the Police Chief has instructed all ranks on toll roads and arterial routes to prepare traffic engineering thoroughly, including the implementation of one-way systems, contraflows, and restrictions on three-axle and above vehicles, which will remain in place until 29 March.
Amid explaining the return flow strategy, General Sigit also expressed appreciation for the smooth outbound flow that has just been completed. Based on Jasa Marga data, the peak outbound flow occurred on 18 March 2026 with a total of 270,315 vehicles.
The good news is that the national road accident rate has decreased by 3.23% compared to 2025. “From 1,301 cases to 1,259 cases. Fatalities or deaths also dropped drastically by 24.61%, from 191 people to 144 people,” he explained.
Safety Message for Return Flow
The Police Chief urged outbound travellers to prioritise safety aspects during their return journey. He asked the public not to push themselves if feeling tired and to always follow the directions of officers on the ground.
“Please be careful on the road, utilise rest areas and integrated posts to rest. Don’t rush, the main thing is the safety of yourself and passengers so you can return to activities safely,” concluded General Sigit.
This Takbiran night monitoring was attended by the Police Chief along with TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, accompanied by TNI Chief of Staff Intelligence Major General Rio Firdianto. Accompanying the Police Chief at the location were, among others, Korbrimob Chief of Staff Police Commissioner General Ramdani Hidayat, Police Chief Logistics Assistant Inspector General Suwondo Nainggolan, and Police Public Relations Division Head Inspector General Jhonny Edison Isir.
Also present at the location was the Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya along with the North Sumatra Forkopimda. Among them were Bukit Barisan I Military Region Commander Major General TNI Hendy Antariksa, North Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan Februanto.
This agenda was also followed virtually from Polda Metro Jaya. Present were, among others, Deputy Police Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani, BNPT Head (Ret.) Commissioner General Eddy Hartono, Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, and National Traffic Corps Chief Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho as the 2026 Ketupat Operation Special Operations Chief. Also present were representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Tourism, and others.
This agenda was also followed virtually from all regions of Indonesia by Governors, Military Region Commanders, Police Chiefs, Mayors, Regents, District Military Commanders, Police Resort Chiefs, and Forkopimda throughout Indonesia. This monitoring agenda was held to ensure that Takbiran night security up to the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H celebration runs conducive and safe nationally.