Prioritise Safety: Police Chief Urges Water Tourism Operators to Tighten Oversight
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo has reminded all his subordinates to be alert to potential disasters during the implementation of Operation Ketupat 2026, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides. The instruction was given while he monitored security for the night of takbiran at the Integrated Post in Merdeka Field of the Medan Police Headquarters, North Sumatra, on Friday.
He emphasised the importance of readiness for the Disaster Task Force (Satgas) at every integrated post, both in terms of personnel and the completeness of facilities and infrastructure. This step is considered crucial, particularly in facing the potential for extreme weather predicted by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
According to Sigit, mitigation efforts have actually been carried out, including through weather modification operations aimed at reducing the risk of extreme rain. Nevertheless, he reminded that disaster potential still needs to be anticipated in the coming days, especially on mudik routes and return flows.
In addition to focusing on securing mudik traffic, the Police Chief also highlighted safety aspects at tourist spots expected to be crowded with the public during the Eid holiday. He asked tourism operators, particularly those for water tourism, to ensure that visitor capacity does not exceed limits and to provide safety facilities as needed.
“Public safety must be the priority. Ensure capacity is appropriate and rescue equipment is adequate,” he said.
Sigit also urged the public travelling for mudik or silaturahmi to remain cautious on the roads. He asked drivers to utilise rest areas and integrated posts for breaks, and not to push themselves to arrive quickly.
Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh, while directly reviewing post-flood disaster handling in the area. This information was conveyed by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in Medan.
The President will perform Eid prayers at a location near the temporary housing of evacuees, and distribute aid to affected communities. Several ministers, including Tito Karnavian and Dody Hanggodo, have already been in Aceh Tamiang to report on disaster response developments.
This visit is part of the President’s series of agendas, spending the takbiran night in Medan City, North Sumatra. Previously, the Head of State was also recorded celebrating New Year’s Eve in the same province, specifically in South Tapanuli.
The President arrived in Medan on Friday afternoon, accompanied by several cabinet officials, and was welcomed by local government officials and TNI-Polri leaders, including TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto and North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution.
This year’s Eid al-Fitr moment is not only a religious celebration but also an opportunity to ensure the state’s readiness in safeguarding public safety, both on journeys, at tourist spots, and in disaster-affected areas.