"Some have traveled earlier for the homecoming trip; maybe they got permission to leave earlier," he added.
However, the number of people leaving cities before the Eid exodus period has not been significant, he said.
According to him, some offices have permitted employees to travel before the Eid collective leave begins.
There are also domestic workers and other non-formal workers who have decided to go home early.
"We can start seeing exodus travelers, they are not only office workers, but also those who got permission, or they are the bosses, so they do not need permission," Nugroho said.
Although Operation Ketupat 2023 for ensuring the smoothness of the Eid exodus will only start on April 18, 2023, Polri has prepared strategies for Eid security services, he added.
The National Police is coordinating with the related stakeholders to provide exodus information to the public and conduct surveys and inspections in the field.
"Yesterday (Tuesday), we, together with the chief of Polri, checked the exodus route toward Banten using a helicopter, and from the helicopter monitoring, there was not a significant density, so the route to Sumatra Island is still safe," Nugroho explained.
Meanwhile, based on the monitoring of toll road posts undertaken by the National Police Public Relations Task Force in coordination with the National Traffic Management Center (NTMC), there has not been a significant increase in traffic flow, especially on the Eid exodus routes.
"As of now, the exodus trip is still mild with no congestion," he said.
The Transportation Ministry has estimated that 123.8 million people will travel during the Eid holiday season this year, an increase from 85 million people last year.
Related news: Police chief, ministers discuss 2023 Eid homecoming readiness
Related news: Ministry dedicates two lanes of Cisumdawu Toll for homecoming traffic
Translator: Laily R, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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