Type C Excavation Trucks Banned from Pemedek Route During IBTK at Pura Besakih
Type C excavation trucks are prohibited from passing through the pemedek route, such as the Muncan-Rendang or Rendang-Nongan to Klungkung roads, during the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK) at Pura Agung Besakih in Karangasem, Bali. The Karangasem Police Resort (Polres) is diverting Type C excavation trucks to the Sidemen route.
The Head of Traffic Unit (Kasatlantas) of Polres Karangasem, AKP I Gusti Agung Putu Maha Putra, stated that officers will be stationed at the Selat junction to prevent any trucks from entering the Muncan route and similar paths used by pemedek heading to Pura Agung Besakih.
Agung Maha explained that the ban on Type C excavation trucks on the pemedek route is based on lessons from last year’s IBTK ceremony. At that time, the trucks were allowed to pass through the pemedek route to Pura Agung Besakih, but an axle breakage incident occurred, causing long traffic jams.
“So to minimise the recurrence of the same incident, we still permit passage on the Muncan-Rendang route, but sand must be transported by pickup,” said Agung Maha on Friday (3/4/2026). He hopes all truck drivers will understand, considering this is an annual event lasting only 21 days.
Agung Maha revealed that the number of pemedek performing worship at the IBTK in Pura Agung Besakih has been observed to be crowded since yesterday until now. Fortunately, the crowds have not caused congestion. The number of pemedek is predicted to increase during this weekend.
Hundreds of Personnel Deployed
Agung Maha stated that 194 police personnel are on standby to smooth the IBTK traffic at Pura Agung Besakih. Hundreds of police personnel will guard several road junctions to ease congestion when there is a surge in pemedek numbers.
“Personnel will be on duty 24 hours in shifts—morning, afternoon, and night,” said Agung Maha.
All pemedek intending to worship at Pura Agung Besakih are urged to follow the directions of the guarding officers to avoid causing congestion.
Newly arriving pemedek will be directed to the Menanga route. Meanwhile, bus and similar vehicle users will be directed to the Kedungdung parking area. “For cars and motorbikes, they will be directed to the Manik Mas parking,” said Agung Maha.
Furthermore, pemedek returning home after worshipping will be directed to the Batusesa route. This scheme is expected to facilitate traffic flow during the Karya IBTK at Pura Agung Besakih.
As is known, the Karya IBTK at Pura Agung Besakih will last for 21 days. The peak of the ceremony series takes place on Thursday (2/4/2026), and the penyineban or closing will be held on Thursday (23/4/2026).