Return Traffic Overshadowed by Extreme Weather, Transport Minister Urges Operators to Ensure Vehicle Fitness
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has instructed all transport operators to ensure the fitness of their vehicles and fleets, while prioritising safety during the 2026 Lebaran return traffic, against the backdrop of potential extreme weather in several regions.
According to Dudy, safety must be the top priority, especially during the return traffic period, which is expected to see a surge in public movement.
“We urge all operators to ensure their fleets are in operational condition, comply with safety standards, and monitor weather conditions along the routes,” he stated in an official release on Monday (24/3/2026).
Furthermore, he stressed the crucial importance of adhering to work and rest hours for drivers to prevent fatigue that could jeopardise travel safety. Drivers are advised not to push themselves when tired and to utilise available rest areas.
“The physical condition and health of vehicle crew must be properly maintained to remain in top form when serving the public,” said Dudy.
As a supervisory measure, the Ministry of Transport has conducted mass ramp checks across all modes of transportation.
As of 23 March 2026, 60,946 public land vehicles have been inspected, along with 836 sea vessels and 232 ferries that underwent seaworthiness tests, with 91.34 percent meeting standards.
Meanwhile, for air transport, 372 aircraft are in operational condition out of a total of 564 units (65.9 percent). In the railway sector, 3,679 facilities have been checked, achieving a fitness rate of 99.78 percent.
“We hope that through collaboration between the government, operators, and the public, the 2026 Lebaran return traffic can proceed safely, securely, and comfortably,” he added.
In agreement, the Director General of Land Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Aan Suhanan, emphasised the importance of operators ensuring fleet readiness and the condition of vehicle crew in facing the peak return traffic, particularly for bus companies and ferry service operators.
“In addition to prime fleet readiness, every operator must ensure that vehicle crew, such as drivers and staff on duty, are in good health and not ill,” said Aan.
He added that vehicle crew are the primary key to safety amid the high traffic volume that could increase accident risks.
“As we know, most traffic accidents are caused by driver negligence, including fatigue or rule violations,” he continued.
Aan also highlighted the potential for extreme weather based on BMKG forecasts, including heavy rain and strong winds in regions such as Sumatra, Java, Jabodetabek, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua.
According to him, these conditions could lead to hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, landslides, puddles, and high waves that may disrupt transport operations.
“This is a concern for us in the transport sector to be more vigilant in vehicle operations,” said Aan.
He hopes that all parties, both operators and the public, can heighten vigilance and monitor weather conditions during this year’s Lebaran return travel.