Indonesia’s government said on Friday it has prepared transport infrastructure and security measures at the busy Merak–Bakauheni ferry crossing ahead of the expected surge in travelers during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming period.
The Merak–Bakauheni route, linking Java and Sumatra, is one of the country’s busiest transport corridors during the annual “mudik” exodus, when millions travel to their hometowns to celebrate the Islamic holiday.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno visited Merak Port in Banten province with senior officials and transport operators to review readiness and strengthen coordination among agencies.
Officials attending the visit included Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Indonesian Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto.
Pratikno said the government had mapped potential travel patterns, including peak outbound and return flows, during the holiday period. Authorities hope that a relatively long holiday period will spread travel demand more evenly and reduce congestion.
“The public is urged to plan their trips carefully and follow official information and instructions from officers to ensure a safe and smooth journey,” Pratikno said.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said authorities were monitoring potential disruptions, including extreme weather, and urged agencies to implement policies outlined in a joint government decree governing holiday transport operations.
State ferry operator ASDP said it has prepared traffic management measures to handle the expected surge in vehicles. These include a delaying system at several buffer zones designed to regulate vehicle flows before they reach the port.
The buffer zones include rest areas along the toll road corridor and designated holding areas in both Merak and Bakauheni to prevent congestion near ferry terminals.
Security operations have also been strengthened, with 1,185 personnel deployed in Merak and 741 in Bakauheni across highways, buffer zones and port areas.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Authorities have also expanded passenger facilities at the port, including food and beverage outlets, retail stores and waiting areas equipped with air conditioning, prayer rooms and other amenities.
Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi welcomed the addition of family-friendly facilities, including children’s playrooms, saying they could make travel more comfortable for families.
ASDP has also urged passengers to use its digital ticketing platform, Ferizy, which allows ferry tickets to be booked up to 60 days in advance.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said tickets must be purchased online before arrival at the port, as on-site ticket sales have been discontinued.
“We encourage travelers to buy tickets in advance and avoid purchasing from unofficial brokers,” he said.
National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said wider public awareness of online ticketing would help reduce congestion at port entrances.
Traffic Figures
Operational data from the Merak command post showed 254 ferry sailings recorded in a 24-hour period on Jan. 12, nine days before the peak travel period.
Passenger crossings from Java to Sumatra totaled 41,171 during that period, down 19.4% from 51,073 passengers recorded in the same period last year.
Two-wheeled vehicle crossings fell 27.7% to 1,152 units, while four-wheeled vehicles declined 27.9% to 4,364 units.
In total, 10,117 vehicles crossed from Java to Sumatra via Merak, Ciwandan and Bojonegara ports, an 18.1% decline from 12,347 vehicles during the comparable period last year.
Cumulative passenger numbers from 10 to nine days before the peak travel period reached 75,914, down 15.3% from a year earlier, while vehicle crossings totaled 18,911, a 12.1% decline.
Meanwhile, data from the Bakauheni command post recorded 123 ferry sailings during the same period.
Passenger crossings from Sumatra to Java reached 35,251, a 7.1% decrease from 37,946 passengers recorded in the same period last year.
Motorcycle crossings fell 24.1% to 403 units and car crossings declined 10.4% to 2,877 units. Truck traffic rose 25.6% to 4,425 units, while buses fell 12.3% to 515 units.
In total, 8,220 vehicles crossed from Sumatra to Java during the period, up 4.7% from 7,854 units a year earlier.
Cumulative passenger numbers from 10 to nine days before the peak period reached 60,558, down 12.8% from 69,450 recorded last year, while total vehicles reached 14,369, a 6.8% decline.