Police Clear Severe Congestion in Pelalawan, Wrong-Way Drivers Ticketed
Severe traffic congestion occurred on the East Sumatra Highway at KM 75, Pelalawan, Riau Province, due to road embankment works. The gridlock, which began on Wednesday evening, 24 June 2026, was finally cleared by Thursday morning, 25 June 2026, after police deployed to manage and engineer traffic flow at the site. The congestion was exacerbated by numerous motorists driving against the flow of traffic.
Pelalawan Police Traffic Unit Head, AKP Tatit Riskyan Hanafi, stated that personnel worked tirelessly to maintain the smooth flow of vehicles. ‘Our personnel, together with traffic officers, have been battling to regulate the flow of vehicles to keep it moving. Various efforts have been made, from installing signs to displaying banners urging motorists to be orderly and respect other road users. However, some motorists still ignored these appeals,’ he explained to reporters on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
Efforts to disperse the congestion were also supported by companies operating in the vicinity, which collaborated with the Pelalawan Police Traffic Unit to maintain traffic flow in the area.
As a deterrent, the Traffic Unit took enforcement action against violators. Several motorists who drove against the flow and caused the congestion were issued tickets. ‘We took enforcement action by ticketing motorists who violated traffic regulations. This step is expected to raise awareness so that every road user respects the rights of other motorists who are orderly and obey the rules,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Riau Regional Police Traffic Director, Commissioner Jeki Rahmat Mustika, expressed his appreciation to all Pelalawan Traffic Unit personnel, field officers, and the companies that synergised to clear the congestion and maintain smooth traffic flow at KM 75 of the East Sumatra Highway. In addition to the issue of undisciplined motorists, Commissioner Jeki also highlighted flood-prone points and road infrastructure repairs as other contributing factors to the congestion. He stressed that the handling of flood-prone areas and road infrastructure repairs must be completed immediately so that public activities and logistics distribution can proceed normally. ‘This road embankment work must be completed soon so that traffic flow, including during floods, can return to normal. I appreciate all personnel who have worked hard in the field together with relevant stakeholders to maintain smooth traffic flow,’ said Commissioner Jeki.