Three-Axle Trucks Clogging Denpasar-Gilimanuk Route; Police Step Up Public Awareness Campaign
Traffic flow on the main Denpasar-Gilimanuk route in Badung regency remained congested seven days before Lebaran, with holiday travellers mixing with three-axle and larger freight trucks still operating on the national highway.
Large truck convoys dominated the route from Saturday 14 March through Sunday morning, despite operational restrictions on the main mudik (outbound) route already being established under a three-minister joint decree.
“Conditions in the field show that large vehicles continue to pass through, causing long queues on the holiday route heading towards Java. We are moving quickly to conduct enforcement and education. Since Saturday, we have been stationed at Mengwi Terminal to ensure drivers understand this restriction schedule,” said AKP Ni Luh Tiviasih, Head of Traffic at Badung Police, on Sunday 15 March 2026.
Personnel from the Security and Order Task Force Traffic Unit at Badung Police patrolled the Mengwi Type-A Terminal and surrounding areas, issuing warnings to non-essential logistics transport operators. Officers emphasised that compliance by transport businesses was vital to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the 2026 Lebaran exodus.
“We are conducting this socialisation as a preventive measure to ensure drivers of cargo transport vehicles, particularly three-axle or larger trucks, understand and comply with operational restrictions according to the three-minister joint decree,” Tiviasih stated firmly.
“The objective is clear: so our people returning to their hometowns can reach their destinations safely, in an orderly manner, and without obstacles on the road,” she added.
According to Tiviasih, most drivers acknowledged the policy and were willing to adjust their travel schedules during the mudik and return periods. She assured that field personnel would prioritise a humanistic approach.
“The team has spoken directly with the drivers and thankfully they are very cooperative and support this government measure. Personnel in the field remain on alert, monitoring congestion hotspots to prevent excessive vehicle accumulation on the main route,” Tiviasih said.
This socialisation effort, she noted, forms part of the 2026 Ketupat Agung Operation aimed at reducing accident and congestion rates in Badung Police’s jurisdiction. She expressed hope that logistics distribution channels would continue operating without disturbing public comfort during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“We request cooperation from all parties, especially transport service operators, to temporarily suspend their fleet operations according to the dates already established in the joint decree. Officers will not hesitate to turn around vehicles that remain non-compliant for the sake of public safety on the roads,” she concluded.