South Sumatra Provincial Government Maps High-Risk Routes for 2026 Eid Holiday Exodus
The Provincial Government of South Sumatra has begun mapping several routes vulnerable to accidents and congestion in anticipation of the Eid holiday exodus. Preparations were discussed in a cross-sectoral coordination meeting chaired by the South Sumatra Governor at Griya Agung in Palembang on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
The meeting forms part of preparations for securing the exodus, involving elements of the regional government, police, military, and other relevant agencies. During the meeting, the regional government emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral coordination to ensure the journeys of returning travellers proceed safely and smoothly.
“In cross-sectoral coordination, nothing must be overlooked, from security to the comfort of returning travellers until they reach their destinations. Therefore, I hope all parties will assist in providing suggestions and input regarding this readiness,” said Herman Deru.
According to him, security measures during the Eid period do not only concern traffic on highways, but also include readiness of land, sea, and air transportation modes, as well as other public services.
The South Sumatra Regional Police have identified several inter-provincial routes requiring attention during the exodus period. On the central transit route, for example, the Martapura–Muratara section spanning 455 kilometres and the Palembang–Lubuklinggau section spanning 385 kilometres are expected to experience increased vehicle traffic.
Additionally, the eastern transit route connecting Palembang with the Banyuasin and Musi Rawas regions is also predicted to become one of the busiest routes for returning travellers. The Palembang–Jambi arterial route, 284 kilometres long, is also a concern as it serves as an important inter-provincial connector in South Sumatra.
Beyond arterial routes, several toll sections have been mapped as points requiring special monitoring. Among these are the Palembang–Indralaya Toll Road (Palindra), Kayuagung–Palembang Toll Road (Kapal), Terbanggi Besar–Pematang Panggang–Kayuagung Toll Road (TBPPKA), Indralaya–Prabumulih Toll Road (Indrapra), and Betung–Tempino–Jambi Toll Road (Betajam).
Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, Chief of the South Sumatra Regional Police, stated that readiness for the Eid security operation concerns not only traffic safety but also public services.
“Operasi Ketupat readiness is not merely about traffic safety, but also about humanitarian services for citizens observing the Ramadan fast and returning to their home towns,” he said.
According to him, toll routes also serve as an important alternative for shortening travel time for the exodus. Sumsel Polda together with the regional government had previously conducted a direct inspection of the Kayuagung–Palembang–Betung toll section to ensure facility and service readiness for returning travellers.
Meanwhile, the South Sumatra Department of Transportation predicts increased exodus traffic from 13 to 16 March 2026. Peak exodus traffic is estimated to occur on 17 March, whilst return traffic is predicted to peak on 28–29 March.
Additionally, several transit posts have been prepared along the exodus routes to allow returning travellers to rest safely during their journeys.
The regional government hopes this cross-institutional coordination can minimise the risk of accidents and congestion during the Eid holiday period, which annually triggers a surge in population mobility across various transport routes in South Sumatra.