Sriwijaya Military Command chief Major General Ujang Darwis said the measure aims to tighten security during the annual homecoming travel period while anticipating potential criminal activity along the key highway corridor.
“We have deployed snipers to support security operations during the 2026 Eid homecoming period,” Ujang said on Tuesday after inspecting infrastructure along the Kayuagung toll section.
The inspection was conducted with South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru and provincial police chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho as authorities reviewed preparations for increased traffic during the holiday travel surge.
Ujang said the deployment of heavily armed personnel forms part of a joint operation between the Indonesian military and national police to provide stronger security guarantees for travelers.
He said the presence of specialized personnel was intended to deter criminal activity and reassure motorists traveling long distances across Sumatra during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Snipers have been positioned mainly at vulnerable points along the route, particularly areas far from residential zones and locations previously identified as potential hotspots for criminal disturbances.
Authorities said such areas could include stretches where stone-throwing incidents or road extortion by criminal groups might occur, posing risks to motorists using the toll road.
Security development
South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho said the security deployment aims to ensure travelers feel safer and more comfortable during the 2026 Eid holiday travel season.
“We will take firm action against any threats to public security and order,” Sandi said, stressing that police and military units are coordinating closely throughout the operation.
Officials said 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 serves as a key corridor connecting 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.
The discount will be applied automatically to eligible transactions without additional requirements, authorities said.
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Translator: M.Imam P, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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