Indonesia Deploys Snipers and Security Forces Ahead of Massive Eid Homecoming Exodus

Authorities in Indonesia have announced extensive security measures ahead of the annual Eid homecoming migration, including the deployment of military snipers along key travel routes in South Sumatra province.

The operation is being carried out as millions of Indonesians prepare to travel across the country to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families after the end of Ramadan. The tradition, locally known as “mudik,” is considered one of the largest seasonal migrations in the world.

According to officials, nearly 144 million people are expected to take part in the annual journey this year, representing more than half of Indonesia’s population. Many of them will pass through South Sumatra, an important transit area linking different parts of the country.

Maj. Gen. Ujang Darwis, head of the regional military command, said snipers would be deployed along major highways to strengthen security and prevent potential criminal activity during the travel period.

“We are deploying snipers to support security operations during the 2026 Eid homecoming period,” Darwis told reporters. He added that the military would work closely with the Indonesian National Police to maintain safety along busy travel corridors.

The snipers will be stationed along the Kayu Agung–Palembang–Betung highway, one of the main routes used by travellers heading to cities across Sumatra. The road is particularly important for people coming from Lampung province, which serves as a key transit area connecting Java and Sumatra islands.

Indonesia’s Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said South Sumatra holds a strategic role in the country’s transportation network. He described the province as a central hub that links several regions across Sumatra, making it a focal point during the annual travel surge.

Nationwide, the government has prepared a large-scale security operation to manage the influx of travellers. Around 161,000 security personnel will be deployed at 2,746 locations throughout the country during the holiday period.

Transportation data shows that more than 76 million people are expected to travel using private cars, while about 24 million will use motorcycles. Another 23 million travellers are predicted to rely on bus services to reach their hometowns.

Officials say traffic volumes will rise sharply in the days leading up to Eid. Authorities expect the busiest period to occur next Wednesday, when nearly 22 million people are projected to begin their journeys early to ensure they arrive home before the start of the holiday.

The annual mudik journey often results in severe congestion on major highways, with travellers sometimes spending long hours on the road. Police and military personnel will monitor traffic conditions and provide assistance to drivers throughout the migration period.

Security measures along Indonesia’s primary travel routes will remain in place until the end of the extended holiday period on March 25, as authorities prepare for the return wave of travellers after Eid celebrations conclude.