West Sumatra Prepares for Ketupat Operation 2026
The Regional Police Commander of West Sumatra, Inspector General Gatot Tri Suryanta, led a mobilisation ceremony for the “Ketupat 2026” centralised police operation at Imam Bonjol Field in Padang on Thursday, 12 March. The ceremony marked the beginning of security measures for the Eid al-Fitr exodus and return journey for Islamic year 1447 H, with the theme “Safe Travel, Happy Family”.
In a statement from National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the operation predicted national population movement would reach 146.4 million people this year. To ensure security, 161,243 combined personnel were deployed for 13 days, from 13 to 25 March 2026.
Inspector General Gatot Tri Suryanta emphasised that the operation’s success depended on solid teamwork.
“I reiterate that the success of Ketupat Operation is our collective responsibility. Therefore, continue to strengthen solidarity and synergy in every joint task,” he stated.
He also conveyed motivational messages to all personnel in the field.
“Greetings on your duties, treat every assignment as an honour, every challenge as a call to duty, and every service to society, nation, and state as a means of devotion to gain the blessing of Almighty God,” he said.
Across Indonesia, Ketupat Operation 2026 would secure 185,607 facilities, including mosques, terminals, ports and airports. The Police also deployed 2,746 security and service posts as information centres for travellers.
The peak outbound exodus was predicted to occur in two waves, on 14-15 March and 18-19 March 2026. Meanwhile, the peak return journey was estimated to fall on 24-25 March and 28-29 March 2026.
The public was urged to remain vigilant against potential extreme weather and to utilise police services at 110 if emergency assistance was needed during travel.
Padang City Government provided direct support at the ceremony. Representatives included Civil Service Police Chief Chandra Eka Putra, Head of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency Hendri Zulviton, and Head of National Unity and Politics Agency Syahendri Barkah.
Padang Civil Service Police Chief Chandra Eka Putra confirmed the local government’s readiness to collaborate fully with police.
“Padang City Government is ready to support and collaborate fully with police for the success of Ketupat Operation 2026,” he said.