6 Drones 5 Kilometers Ready To Monitor Movements On Traffic Jams

ETLE Drone/ Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

Central Java Police have prepared an ETLE Drone device to monitor traffic congestion during the 2023 Candi Candle Operation, especially on roads that experience congestion and bottleneck areas.

A total of 6 drones are ready to operate with flight range specifications up to 5 kilometers. The drone operators (pilot) are personnel from the Central Java Police Ditlantas who have been specially trained and certified.

"ETLE Drones have been prepared to be used to monitor traffic jams and black spots. It can also be used when an accident occurs so that members in the field who are hampered can first monitor by air," explained Central Java Police Chief, Inspector General Ahmad Luthfi after the 2023 Candi Candle Operation Forces Ceremony at Simpang Lima Field, Semarang City, Friday, 22.

According to the Kapolda, this ETLE Drone is basically used to ticket traffic violations, but in the 2023 Candi Candle Operation it is diverted to monitor currents and events that require quick handling.

"Especially for solving traffic problems, we will use Drones, especially in big cities such as Semarang and Solo. Breaking the route that is experiencing congestion is overcome through a combination of field personnel and technology," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Central Java, Nana Sudjana, expressed his appreciation for the Central Java Police initiative. According to him, the use of the ETLE Drone in handling traffic jams is an innovation.

"I value the very effective use of this drone, especially during the Nataru holiday and Eid al-Fitr to support personnel in the field," he said.

The Central Java Regional Police predicts that there will be 35 thousand vehicles entering Central Java at the peak of the flow of homecoming for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The increase in daily vehicle flows has also begun to appear at the Kalikangkung Semarang Toll Gate monitoring post this week.

According to Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Ahmad Lutfi, the increase in daily flow from Monday to Friday this week has reached 1,000 vehicles.

He revealed that 26 thousand vehicles have entered Central Java this week. The peak of the current is predicted to occur on Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24.

"Compared to 2022, there is an increase in current by 143 percent in Central Java. The increase occurred because this year there was no COVID-19, different in 2022 it was still COVID-19," said the Kapolda

He said that in dealing with the flow of homecoming, all routes in Central Java had begun to be prepared, including the placement of 15,250 joint personnel at 278 posts.

Hundreds of posts were installed on four priority routes including toll roads, the Pantura route, the Central route, the Southern route, and the Deandels route.

"On the toll road and functionally, we have prepared quick responses in the form of chain patrols on each road, there is a break-up team. It is supported by Pertamina which is mobilized to refuel electric cars and gas stations running," he said.

The Central Java Regional Police are also wary of traffic jams or bottle necks in the rest area. Moreover, in Central Java there are 8 rest areas on the backflow route so that a break and post review team is prepared.

"We also use drones to monitor bottle neck routes that are usually jammed, black spot points and during traffic accidents. Members can monitor directly, not only manually via Handie Talkie (HT)," he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana said that his personnel had also been deployed directly from the ranks of the Transportation Agency and Satpol PP at various posts, especially at the border and terminal.

"For food availability ahead of good and sufficient conditions. The problem of rising prices is that every year there is an increase in culture. We already have food availability and supply measures," he said.