Polri Predicts Peak Return Flow for Eid in Two Waves

The Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, predicts that the peak of the Eid return flow in 2026 will occur in two waves at the end of March. This comes as public mobility increases following the Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah holiday.

Polri, Listyo stated, estimates the peak return flow will occur around 24 or 25 March 2026, and the second on 28 and 29 March 2026. This prediction serves as a reference for all Polri units to prepare anticipatory measures, including traffic engineering and on-site security.

Polri Chief Sigit emphasised that operational restrictions on vehicles with three or more axles will remain in effect until 29 March 2026. “Except for vehicles transporting essential public needs, which will be given priority as they concern daily requirements,” he said while monitoring the Integrated Security Post at Lapangan Merdeka, Medan, North Sumatra, on Friday, 20 March 2026.

In addition, Polri Chief General Listyo Sigit, TNI Commander General Agus Subianto, and several Polri and TNI officers, along with North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya and Medan Mayor Rico Waas, led an online inspection of security and public order situations across all Regional Police Commands (Polda) in Indonesia from the Integrated Security Post at Lapangan Merdeka, Medan.

In efforts to reduce vehicle density during the peak return flow, Sigit supports the Ministry of Transportation’s policy to encourage the public to implement Work From Anywhere (WFA) from 25–27 March 2026. “This policy is expected to distribute vehicle movements, so they are not concentrated at one time and prevent build-ups on return routes,” he explained.

The Polri Chief also stressed the importance of preparedness for weather conditions. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has conducted weather modification operations to reduce the potential for extreme rain. “These efforts aim to anticipate floods and landslides on both outbound and return routes, and alhamdulillah, they have successfully reduced those risks,” Sigit said.

Nevertheless, the Polri Chief emphasised that all field task forces must remain vigilant against potential disasters, especially in areas prone to landslides and floods. He also instructed that the prepared integrated Eid posts be maximised, not only for security but also as service centres for the public.

Sigit invited return travellers to utilise these facilities to rest and maintain their physical condition during the journey. “Take advantage of the rest areas and integrated posts available; do not force driving if fatigued because safety is paramount,” he said.