Security at Tourist Sites Becomes Focus of Ketupat 2026 Operation in Bali

Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, the head of the Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), said that securing tourist areas would be a key focus in the Ketupat Operation 2026 in Bali. ‘Tourist sites are also a priority because Bali is one of the main tourist destinations for people during Lebaran holidays,’ Agus said during an audience with Bali Governor I Wayan Koster at the Bali Governor’s Office on Thursday (5 March 2026), according to a press release. Agus noted that Ketupat Operation would not only focus on safeguarding traffic flow during mudik and balik Lebaran, but also on protecting various social activities of the community. He explained that security within Ketupat Operation would be implemented across several key clusters, from toll roads, arterial roads, ferry ports to places of worship. In addition, ferry ports are a particular concern, especially the Gilimanuk–Ketapang crossing linking Bali and Java. Agus confirmed that the ferry crossing operations at Gilimanuk Port have been prepared to align with Nyepi Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Koster emphasised that the Bali Provincial Government is ready to support the security programme undertaken by Polri because it directly relates to community activities. ‘As governor, I must contribute to supporting what is in Mr Kakorlantas’s plan, because this is the programme of your Chief of Police that we must implement successfully together,’ he said. Koster also dismissed rumours circulating on social media about a possible clash between Nyepi celebrations and Idulfitri in Bali. ‘They do not actually overlap. Nyepi falls on 19 March, with Ngembak Geni on the morning of the 20th. In the evening comes Takbiran, as Idulfitri is expected on the 21st. So they do not intersect,’ explained Koster. He added that the regional government together with religious leaders has agreed to regulate religious activities through a joint circular with all religious councils in Bali, including the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI). ‘We have issued a joint circular with all religious councils in Bali, especially with MUI. So everything is clear and there is no problem,’ Koster said.