Traffic Police Chief Extends Ban on Sirens and Escorts Following Public Feedback

The Head of the National Police Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas Polri), Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, has reaffirmed that the moratorium on the use of sirens, rotators, and vehicle escorts remains in effect. This policy is a direct response to various inputs provided by the public regarding the use of vehicle escorts on highways.

According to Inspector General Agus, the National Police Traffic Corps continues to listen to public aspirations when formulating policies related to traffic services and regulation. Consequently, the moratorium on the use of sirens and vehicle escments has been extended.

“We have also heard the public’s feedback regarding the ‘tot tot wuk wuk’ [siren sounds]. I am extending the moratorium on that policy. Therefore, it is still prohibited, particularly within city areas; the use of escorts remains frozen and prohibited,” stated Inspector General Agus to reporters on Monday (8/6/2026).

However, Inspector General Agus continued, the National Police Traffic Corps will continue to station traffic personnel on several stretches of toll roads to perform safety patrol functions. The presence of officers on toll roads is based on analysis and evaluation showing high accident rates, particularly involving high-speed vehicles and heavy vehicles.

Inspector General Agus explained that these patrols aim to advise road users to comply with safety regulations, including directing heavy vehicles to use the appropriate lanes and reminding fatigued drivers to rest at rest areas.

“Specifically on toll roads, because our analysis and evaluation of accidents show high numbers, high speeds, and many heavy vehicles—including frequent rear-end collisions—the presence of traffic police is necessary at certain hours to advise heavy vehicles to stay in the left lane and to ensure that tired drivers rest at rest areas rather than on the hard shoulder,” he explained.

He emphasised that the presence of officers on toll roads is for patrolling purposes and not for providing escorts to specific vehicles. “Specifically on toll roads, this is for patrol assignments, not escorts. Escorts are also still frozen,” said Inspector General Agus.

“In general, the ‘tot tot wuk wuk’ and escorts remain frozen. However, on toll roads, based on our analysis, evaluation, and directives from leadership, we are prioritising safety on the toll roads,” he concluded.