Police Prepare Delay System to Anticipate Traffic Congestion at Merak During Mudik Season
The Banten Provincial Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, is preparing for potential traffic congestion during the Lebaran mudik season should adverse weather disrupt ferry operations at Merak Port. According to him, vehicles will be directed to designated parking areas that have been prepared.
“A delay system will be implemented,” Hengki explained following a coordination meeting on mudik preparations at Banten Police Headquarters in Serang City on Wednesday (15/2/2026). “We will direct vehicles to parking areas located at Kilometre 43, Kilometre 68, PT Wisma Indah Kiat, PT Indonesia Ferry in Bojonegara, and other parking areas along the Southern Ring Road in Cilegon.”
For the 2026 Lebaran holiday, three ports have been prepared in the Merak area: Merak Port for private vehicles, buses, and pedestrians; Ciwandan Port for motorcycles; and Bojonegara Port for trucks. The coordination meeting was attended by Lampung Provincial Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf, Banten Provincial Secretary Deden Apriandhi, and relevant stakeholders.
Hengki stated that all parties are committed to ensuring proper preparation for the 2026 mudik season. “This meeting is to ensure all relevant agencies and stakeholders are ready. We still have time, and the Operation Ketupat mobilisation is scheduled for 13 March 2026,” he said.
Beyond adverse weather concerns, Banten Police are also anticipating tidal flooding expected between 19–22 March, which coincides with Lebaran falling on 21 March 2026. “According to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency, there is potential for tidal flooding from 19 to 22 March, so we are preparing contingencies. I will coordinate with the Merak Port Authority and ASDP,” Hengki said.
Should tidal flooding occur, alternative traffic management plans will be activated. Motorcycles and trucks will be rerouted to Merak Port. “Vehicles in toll classes 5 and 6B, as well as two-wheeled vehicles, will be coordinated with the Port Authority and ASDP for rerouting to Merak as a contingency measure,” he concluded.