RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation and the National Police have issued a joint call for transport operators and travellers to prioritise safety above all else, as the 2026 Lebaran holiday shifts toward the busy return flow (arus balik). With a massive surge in mobility expected across the archipelago, authorities are tightening oversight on fleet readiness, driver health, and weather awareness.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that the "safe and smooth" mission for the 1447 Hijriah holiday remains the top priority. During a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, he urged all operators to double-check their fleets and remain vigilant regarding potential bad weather.

A central focus of the government's directive is the physical condition of transport crews, particularly long-haul bus drivers. Minister Dudy stressed that strict adherence to working hours and rest periods is non-negotiable to prevent accidents caused by exhaustion.

“We ask all operators to ensure the fleet is in operational condition and pay attention to weather conditions along the route,” Dudy said.

He further added that the well-being of the crew is paramount. “The condition of the crew must be truly maintained so that they remain optimal in providing services to the community," he said.

To mitigate risks, the Ministry has mandated that operators provide backup drivers and ensure a minimum one-hour rest period before continuing long-distance journeys.

“Drivers must not push themselves when tired and must take advantage of rest time according to regulations,” the Minister asserted.

The Ministry has already conducted massive "ramp checks" across all modes of transport. Tens of thousands of land vehicles, hundreds of ships, airplanes, and railway units have been inspected, with the vast majority meeting the required safety standards.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has echoed these concerns through the Ketupat 2026 Operation. Public Relations Task Force Head Tjahyono Saputro, urged the public to remain disciplined not only on the road but also at tourist destinations during the tail end of the holiday.

“We urge the public to always prioritize safety and increase vigilance. We also ask them to continue to obey all rules during the journey and at tourist locations,” Tjahyono said on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Travelers are strongly advised to monitor official government channels and Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysic Agency (BMKG) weather forecasts to plan their return journeys effectively. With coordinated efforts between the transport sector and law enforcement, the government hopes to minimize incidents during the peak of the 2026 return flow. (Naura Sofia/Bambang MBKA)