Transport Observer Proposes Lane Segregation System for Mudik Journeys, Motorcyclists Carrying Children to be Transferred to Buses
Transport observer Haris Muhammadun has called on the government to begin implementing a ban on motorcycle use for Lebaran 2026 mudik (homecoming) journeys. He has urged the government to officially prohibit mudik travel by motorcycle, particularly for those carrying children, to reduce traffic accident rates that remain dominated by two-wheeled vehicles. Based on data from the Integrated Road Safety Management System (IRSMS) of the National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri), 76.64% of traffic accidents involve motorcycles.
“Motorcycles are not designed for long-distance travel. Therefore, the MTI’s hope is that a ban on mudik by motorcycle whilst carrying children during this 2026 Lebaran period could be announced,” said Haris during the Denpasar 12 Discussion Forum held online on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Haris noted that despite the availability of free mudik programmes and free motorcycle transport via railway services, the number of motorcycle mudik travellers remains high. He proposed that Korlantas Polri checkpoints along mudik routes should function as interception points to catch motorcycle travellers carrying children.
He stated that if motorcycle mudik travellers with children travelling long distances are discovered, officers must have the authority to stop them and transfer them to safer modes of transport.
“When mudik travellers with children are on motorcycles and their destination is long distance, they must be transferred. Admittedly, it is cumbersome because the government must provide buses or trucks on standby at these interception points to transport people and their motorcycles,” explained Haris.
Haris acknowledged that fully implementing this policy may be difficult to execute suddenly during the 2026 Lebaran mudik season. However, he emphasised that this point will continue to be a primary recommendation from MTI to the government to reduce accident rates.
“This is an appeal; hopefully if it cannot be implemented this year, it can at least begin to be applied next year. This will continue to feature in MTI’s recommendations for the safety of mudik travellers’ lives,” he added.
Haris also appreciated the steps taken by PT KAI and other agencies that have provided free motorcycle transport facilities (Motis). However, he emphasised that public education regarding the dangers of long-distance motorcycle mudik travel must be conducted extensively so that the public switches to more appropriate and safer public transport modes.