Passenger traffic across the busy Merak–Bakauheni ferry route linking Java and Sumatra has begun to pick up eight days ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday (Eid Day-8), although early data shows lower volumes compared with the same period last year.
State ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry said it has stepped up preparations to manage the expected increase in mobility during the annual homecoming travel season, known locally as “mudik.”
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said the company has taken early measures to ensure smooth operations during the holiday period.
“We continue to strengthen operational readiness and optimize port facilities to ensure travel remains orderly and smooth,” Widodo said.
The company plans to deploy between 28 and 33 vessels per day on the Merak–Bakauheni crossing, depending on traffic density. It will also implement an operational system known as Arrival–Unloading–Departure (TBB) to speed up port turnaround times and improve ship movement efficiency.
ASDP has also upgraded several port facilities to improve passenger services, including 24-hour customer service, additional boarding bridges on the express lane at Merak and Bakauheni, portable toilets, and improved lighting and electrical systems.
Electric shuttle buses will also operate inside the Merak and Bakauheni port areas to assist passengers, particularly elderly travelers and people with disabilities.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the company is coordinating with transportation providers and local authorities to improve connectivity between rail stations and the port.
Between March 13 and March 16, 20 free shuttle buses are being operated on several routes connecting Cilegon, Kerenceng and Merak stations to the port area. The service schedule has been adjusted to accommodate train arrivals with higher passenger volumes.
Operational monitoring will continue throughout the holiday travel period to ensure smooth passenger movement between rail stations and Merak Port, Andale said.
Data from the Merak port monitoring post showed that passenger traffic from Java to Sumatra via Merak, Ciwandan and the Bojonegara Freeway Port between 10 and eight days before Eid totaled 126,276 passengers, down 18.6% from 155,161 passengers recorded during the same period last year.
Vehicle crossings during the same period reached 31,390 units, a 13% decline from 36,091 vehicles a year earlier.
Meanwhile, crossings from Sumatra to Java via Bakauheni, Wika Beton Port and the Muara Pilu Freeway Port recorded 97,385 passengers, down 9.4% from 107,541 passengers last year.
Vehicle traffic on that route totaled 23,018 units, a 3.1% decrease from 23,766 vehicles in the same period a year earlier.
ASDP said it will continue to strengthen operations and services to support safe and efficient travel during the Eid homecoming season.