Indonesia is deploying special task force personnel, including snipers, along the Kayuagung–Palembang–Betung toll road in South Sumatra Province to bolster security during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday season.
Enhanced Security for 2026 Eid Homecoming
Sriwijaya Military Command chief Major General Ujang Darwis said the increased security measures are intended to anticipate potential criminal activity along the key highway corridor during the annual homecoming travel period.
“We have deployed snipers to support security operations during the 2026 Eid homecoming period,” Ujang said Tuesday after inspecting infrastructure along the Kayuagung toll section.
The inspection was conducted alongside South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru and provincial police chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho as authorities reviewed preparations for increased traffic volume.
The deployment of heavily armed personnel is a joint operation between the Indonesian military and national police, aiming to provide stronger security guarantees for travelers.
Authorities stated the presence of specialized personnel is intended to deter criminal activity and reassure motorists traveling long distances across Sumatra during the busy travel period. Snipers have been positioned at vulnerable points, particularly areas far from residential zones and locations previously identified as potential hotspots for criminal disturbances.
These areas could include stretches where stone-throwing incidents or road extortion by criminal groups might occur, posing risks to motorists using the toll road.
South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho said the deployment aims to ensure travelers feel safer and more comfortable during the holiday travel season. “We will take firm action against any threats to public security and order,” Sandi said, emphasizing close coordination between police and military units.
The Palembang–Betung toll road section is scheduled to open temporarily for functional use starting March 13, 2026, to help ease congestion during the holiday migration. The route connects vehicle flows from Lampung Province to Palembang and other areas across Sumatra.
As part of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road network, the Kapal Betung corridor plays a crucial role in facilitating interprovincial mobility in southern Sumatra during peak holiday travel. Toll road operators will also offer a 30 percent discount on toll fees from seven days before Eid until seven days after the holiday, applied automatically to eligible transactions.
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