Passenger and vehicle traffic surged across key Indonesian ferry routes during the Easter long weekend, operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said, adding that services remained stable amid the increase in demand.
The state-owned ferry operator reported higher crossings on major routes linking Java, Sumatra and Bali, particularly Merak–Bakauheni and Ketapang–Gilimanuk, as travelers took advantage of the holiday period.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said the company had prepared for the seasonal uptick by strengthening fleet readiness and port operations, drawing on experience from previous holiday periods.
“The Easter long weekend brings the potential for a significant increase in mobility. We are ensuring that all operational aspects run optimally and smoothly,” he said.
Data from April 2 to April 4 showed a sharp rise in traffic on the Merak–Bakauheni route, where 136,642 passengers and 30,379 vehicles crossed. Private cars accounted for the largest share at 12,793 units, followed by 11,349 logistics trucks. Passenger traffic rose 25.8% from Thursday to Friday, while vehicle crossings increased 23.7%.
On the return route from Bakauheni to Merak, ASDP recorded 154,494 passengers and 30,676 vehicles, dominated by private cars and freight trucks, reflecting strong holiday travel and goods distribution.
Traffic was also heavy on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route connecting Java and Bali, with 112,635 passengers and 31,195 vehicles recorded. Motorcycles made up the largest portion at 14,785 units, followed by 8,863 private cars.
The return flow from Gilimanuk to Ketapang saw 59,834 passengers and 17,157 vehicles, led by logistics trucks and private cars. Passenger numbers rose 14.3% and vehicle traffic increased 8.7% from Thursday to Friday.
Queues ease after earlier congestion
Long queues at Ketapang port, which had stretched for tens of kilometers earlier in the week due to a buildup of logistics vehicles following restrictions during the Eid travel period, have since eased, ASDP said.
Arif Eko, general manager of ASDP’s Ketapang branch, said congestion that peaked on April 1 had subsided by April 4 following operational adjustments.
“The reduction in queues is the result of integrated measures, including optimizing cargo handling and maximizing buffer zones, as well as coordination with regulators,” he said.
ASDP said it would continue to focus on maintaining service reliability through fleet optimization, personnel readiness and coordination with relevant authorities.
Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the company’s Ferizy digital ticketing platform had helped improve efficiency, allowing passengers to book tickets up to 60 days in advance and access them via messaging services or email.
The company also urged passengers to input accurate personal data and avoid buying tickets through unauthorized brokers.
ASDP operates ferry services across Indonesia and plays a key role in connecting major islands, particularly during peak travel periods such as national and religious holidays.