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Operasi Patuh 2026 Begins: Indonesian Traffic Police Target Counter-Flowing and Black Spots

JAKARTA – Operasi Patuh 2026 (Compliance Operation 2026) officially began on October 28 and will run until November 10, 2026.

During the operation, the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) is prioritizing the enhancement of traffic discipline and accident prevention, particularly at accident-prone locations (black spots) and violation-prone areas (trouble spots).

One of the violations under scrutiny is driving against the flow of traffic (counter-flowing), as it carries a high risk of triggering fatal collisions and endangering road user safety.

Head of Korlantas Polri, Brigadier General Aries Syahbudin, emphasized that the presence of traffic personnel in the field must deliver tangible benefits for public safety.

Deploying officers to high-risk locations is part of an effort to prevent accidents while simultaneously increasing road user compliance.

“We are deploying to vulnerable spots because lives are most at stake there. Traffic police must be present and make a difference, ensuring every road user returns home safely,” said Brigadier General Aries Syahbudin.

Driving Against Traffic Poses a High Risk of Fatal Accidents

Violations involving driving against the flow of traffic remain a dangerous behavior threatening road user safety.

Some motorists choose the opposing lane to shorten their trips, avoid U-turns, or save time. However, such actions increase the risk of collisions with vehicles coming from the opposite direction and can lead to fatal accidents.

“A difference of a few minutes is not worth the risk of losing a life. What is at stake is not only the safety of the violator, but also other drivers, pedestrians, and families waiting at home,” stressed the Head of Korlantas.

Through Operasi Patuh 2026, traffic personnel are directed to step up monitoring in areas with high rates of violations and accident potential.

This step is expected to prevent violations early on while raising public awareness that safety must be the top priority when driving.

Operasi Patuh 2026 Prioritizes Education and Measured Enforcement

Commissioner Turmudi, Head of Operations for Korlantas Polri, stated that the success of Operasi Patuh 2026 is not solely measured by the number of violations penalized, but also by shifts in public traffic behavior.

“Operasi Patuh is not a venue to issue maximum tickets. The success of the operation is measured by the increase in public awareness, compliance, and safety, not the volume of enforcement actions,” said Commissioner Turmudi in his statement on Tuesday (Oct 27, 2026).

According to Turmudi, the operation prioritizes preventive and educational measures. Officers provide direct guidance and counseling (binluh) to motorists, especially at intersections and locations prone to violations.

This education includes explaining the dangers of driving against traffic and the importance of obeying road signs and markings.

Nevertheless, enforcement actions remain in place for violations that potentially endanger safety. Law enforcement must be executed firmly, measuredly, professionally, and humanely in accordance with applicable regulations.

Field enforcement is also supported by 1,358 Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) devices across Indonesia, including Mobile and Handheld ETLE, to ensure objective, transparent law enforcement with minimal physical interaction.

Pursuant to Article 287 Paragraph (1) of Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transport, traffic sign or road marking violations can carry a maximum imprisonment of two months or a fine of up to IDR 500,000.

The Head of Korlantas also emphasized the importance of clean law enforcement free from irregularities. Every personnel member is instructed to carry out duties professionally and avoid any form of illegal transactions on the road.

“I ask all ranks to act firmly, professionally, and humanely. There is no room for roadside transactions. Citizens who discover officer misconduct can report directly via the 110 service,” he stated.

Mapping Vulnerable Spots to Improve Road Safety

Mapping vulnerable locations is a vital step in executing Operasi Patuh 2026. This mapping refers to accident and traffic violation data to ensure personnel deployment is targeted effectively, especially in areas where counter-flowing violations frequently occur.

Accident prevention efforts also require support from various stakeholders. Motorists are urged to follow traffic directions and use designated U-turns, even if it requires traveling a longer distance.

Online ride-hailing companies and courier services are also expected to remind partner drivers not to prioritize delivery speed by compromising safety.

Local governments are expected to coordinate with the police to evaluate traffic signs, road markings, and U-turn locations that could potentially trigger violations.

The public can also play an active role by reporting violation-prone spots through available official complaint channels.

Operasi Patuh 2026, running until November 10, 2026, is expected to enhance public traffic awareness and compliance. Korlantas Polri invites all road users to avoid driving against traffic, obey rules, and prioritize safety on every journey.