Inp.polri.go.id - Medan. Indonesian National Police (INP) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo issued a directive on Friday night (20/3/2026) for all personnel to maintain high alertness against potential natural disasters during the 2026 Operation Ketupat. 

Speaking from the Merdeka Square Integrated Post in Medan, North Sumatra, he said that Disaster Task Forces must remain combat-ready as  the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency(BMKG) forecasts indicate risks of extreme weather, including floods and landslides along key travel routes.

"I instruct all ranks in disaster-prone areas to prepare their personnel and equipment thoroughly. We must be ready for extreme weather scenarios predicted by BMKG," said Chief Sigit, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He explained the heightened state of readiness by noting that while weather modification operations (cloud seeding) have mitigated some heavy rainfall, the risk remains significant for the upcoming return flow of Eid holiday travelers. 

Beyond transit routes, the INP Chief specifically highlighted safety at tourist destinations, particularly water-based attractions. He said that operators strictly enforce capacity limits and ensure that life-saving equipment is proportional to the number of visitors to prevent fatalities. Travelers currently on the road for late-season mudik or family visits are urged to utilize integrated service posts for rest and to prioritize road safety over speed.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)