South Sumatra Police Emphasise Flexibility in Traffic Management During Peak Return Flow

The South Sumatra Provincial Police (Polda Sumsel) Chief, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, has affirmed that his forces are ready to escort the return flow of the 2026 Eid exodus. He explained that the key to the success of this year’s security operations lies in flexibility on the ground.

This was stated after attending a national evaluation Zoom meeting with the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, from the Riverside Benteng Kuto Besak (BKB) area in Palembang on Tuesday (24/3/2026). Polda Sumsel itself, he added, has prepared various traffic engineering schemes ranging from one-way, contraflow, to a system of opening and closing lanes that will be implemented situationally.

“We are not rigid with one scheme. Traffic engineering is carried out flexibly according to the dynamics of vehicle volumes on the ground, which are monitored in real-time. Our personnel remain on standby at strategic routes until the entire return flow series is complete,” said Sandi.

This former Head of the National Police’s Public Relations Division explained that besides road conditions, Polda Sumsel is focusing on thickening security at various tourist sites that are still crowded with visitors during the remaining Eid holiday. Safety education, Sandi continued, especially at water tourism locations and high-risk areas, is a priority to prevent unwanted incidents.

It is known that General Sigit previously mentioned the decline in national fatal accident figures during this 2026 Eid exodus. Sandi wants Polda Sumsel to maintain that condition.

“We urge the public to take advantage of this WFA policy. Do not force travel on the same day to avoid getting caught in congestion. Plan travel times wisely for collective comfort,” said the Head of Public Relations of Polda Sumsel, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, on the same occasion.

Nandang conveyed that the return flow in the Sumsel region is safe and under control so far. Nandang added that they are ensuring supervision of all main routes and vital objects.