Friday, 06 November 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Traffic Unit of the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police (Sat Lantas Polres Labuhanbatu Selatan) distributed dozens of road safety items to motorists and other road users during a morning Strong Point operation at the Simpang Tiga Bukit junction on the Trans-Sumatra Highway (Jalinsum), Kotapinang District, on Friday, 6 November 2026. Despite the rain, the community outreach initiative went ahead as part of the Operation Patuh Toba 2026 road safety campaign. It also aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of road safety.
During the operation, officers distributed 20 helmets, 20 umbrellas, 15 jackets, as well as face masks and chocolate to road users. They also provided motorists with information about essential road safety rules and politely reminded motorcyclists travelling without helmets of the importance of wearing appropriate protective headgear.The initiative demonstrated the police's community-focused approach to building a stronger road safety culture. Protecting all road users cannot be achieved solely through enforcement and penalties for traffic offences. Public education, mutual consideration and direct engagement with the community are equally important.
Operation Patuh Toba 2026 provides the Labuhanbatu Selatan Traffic Police with an important opportunity to further strengthen public awareness of the need to comply with traffic regulations. Through Strong Point operations, officers do more than manage traffic. They also provide practical assistance and maintain a visible presence to support people using the roads.
Despite the rain around the Simpang Tiga Bukit junction, officers continued their duties at the location. They managed traffic flows, helped road users travel safely and reminded motorists to exercise extra caution on wet roads.The initiative also supports the Quick Wins programme, which forms part of the Indonesian National Police Chief's (Kapolri) priority agenda. The programme aims to improve the quality of police services by strengthening the police presence and bringing officers closer to the communities they serve.
Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief AKBP Rosef Efendi, S.I.K., M.H., CPHR., speaking through Traffic Unit Chief AKP Yustina, S.H., M.H., said the distribution of safety equipment reflected the Indonesian National Police's (Polri) concern for the community. The initiative was also intended to strengthen relations between the police and road users.According to AKP Yustina, Operation Patuh Toba 2026 was not solely concerned with taking action against traffic offences. Instead, its main priorities were public education, prevention and persuasive, dialogue-based engagement to help people better understand the risks of road accidents.
"We want people to genuinely feel the benefits of the police presence in their everyday lives. Distributing helmets, jackets, umbrellas, masks and even chocolate is an expression of our care and concern for road users."We also want to remind everyone that safety must always be the top priority on every journey," AKP Yustina said, conveying the Police Chief's message.
She further emphasised the importance of exercising greater caution when driving in rainy conditions. Road users should maintain a safe following distance, adjust their speed to the weather and road conditions, and remain alert to the state of the road surface to reduce the risk of accidents.
"Do not wait until an accident happens before recognising the importance of safety. Wear a helmet, obey traffic regulations, maintain a safe distance and control your speed. Safety is not just about protecting yourself, but also your family members who are waiting for you at home," she stressed.AKP Yustina personally led the operation, accompanied by Deputy Head of the Traffic Unit IPTU B.L. Tobing, S.H., and other Labuhanbatu Selatan Traffic Police officers.
During the operation, officers successfully maintained traffic flow around the activity site. Despite the rain, traffic remained orderly and moved smoothly, with no significant congestion or traffic disruption reported.
The social initiative received a positive response from Mirwan Hasibuan, who expressed his appreciation to Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief AKBP Rosef Efendi, particularly Traffic Unit Chief AKP Yustina, for their attention and the safety equipment provided to the public.
According to Mirwan, the distribution of helmets, jackets, umbrellas and masks demonstrated that the police took the needs of road users seriously. The assistance not only provided immediate practical benefits but also served as a reminder for the public to pay greater attention to personal safety during their daily activities.He expressed hope that the police would continue organising similar community outreach initiatives and maintain their people-centred approach, further strengthening relations between the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the public.
For Mirwan, the role of the police extends beyond maintaining security and public order. Their responsibilities should also be reflected in practical initiatives that deliver direct benefits to the community."I would like to thank the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief, particularly the Head of the Traffic Unit, for their attention and support. May this good deed bring blessings and continue to benefit the community in the future," Mirwan Hasibuan said.
Through Operation Patuh Toba 2026, the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police hope to further strengthen public awareness of road safety. Compliance with traffic regulations should stem from an understanding of the importance of personal safety, rather than depending solely on whether police officers are present on the roads.The success of efforts to ensure road safety and order should not be measured solely by the number of traffic offences dealt with. It should also be reflected in the growing willingness of road users to protect themselves and respect the safety of others.
After all, safety is not merely a set of rules to be followed while travelling. It is a shared responsibility to ensure that everyone can return home safely. (IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
