EN.malanginspirasi.com – Traffic flow through several toll gates in Malang Regency continues to register high volumes, even as figures declined modestly over the past two days. Joint security forces remain on high alert in anticipation of the predicted peak vehicle movement today, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
According to data from Operasi Ketupat Semeru 2026, outbound vehicles from Malang Regency totaled 20,920 units on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), dropping to 20,334 units on Wednesday (March 18, 2026)—a decrease of approximately 2.80 percent. The reduction was consistent across all main toll plazas: Lawang, Karanglo, and Pakis.
Inbound traffic followed a similar pattern, falling from 21,506 units to 21,189 units, or about 1.47 percent lower. Despite the downturn, overall volumes remain substantial, with Karanglo Toll Plaza continuing to handle the heaviest share of movements.
Malang Police Traffic Unit Chief AKP Muhammad Alif Chelvin Arliska stated that the figures indicate sustained active mudik (homecoming) flows.
“There has been an overall decrease, but vehicle volumes are still quite high and require continued vigilance, especially at congestion-prone locations,” AKP Chelvin said on Thursday (March 19, 2026).
He added that officers are actively managing traffic and deploying personnel at strategic points to ensure smooth flows toward Malang Raya and Batu City. Enhanced monitoring targets toll accesses and primary routes, as today is forecast to mark the mudik peak.
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Police urged travelers to exercise caution, maintain physical fitness, and obey traffic regulations for safe journeys home. “We are intensifying traffic management and on-ground readiness, particularly at toll accesses and main corridors, given the expected peak today,” he emphasized.
One traveler, Agus (49) from Tasikmalaya heading to Karangploso, reported a relatively smooth trip despite rising volumes. “Alhamdulillah, the journey has been fairly smooth. Vehicles are dense but still flowing. Officers are visibly proactive in directing traffic,” Agus said.
The situation aligns with national forecasts placing March 18–19, 2026, as one of the primary peaks for outbound Lebaran travel, with cumulative increases observed along key toll segments such as Pandaan–Malang.
