State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said it is strengthening services nationwide to handle a projected 5.8 million travelers during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, a 9.4% increase from a year earlier.
The company said it is supporting government measures to ease congestion on key crossing routes, particularly Merak–Bakauheni, which links Java and Sumatra, and Ketapang–Gilimanuk, which connects Java and Bali.
Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan said authorities have coordinated port allocations with stakeholders to reduce congestion at Merak, Bakauheni, Ketapang, Gilimanuk, Jangkar, Padang Bai and Lembar ports.
A vehicle classification system will be applied to distribute traffic more evenly and prevent bottlenecks.
Under a joint decree dated Feb. 5, 2026, traffic arrangements for the March 13–20 outbound period on the Merak–Bakauheni route will direct different vehicle classes to specific ports, including Ciwandan and Bojonegara, while heavier trucks may be diverted to buffer zones if subject to operational restrictions. Similar measures will apply during the March 23–29 return period.
On the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route and MB Pier from March 13–29, passenger vehicles and small cars will be prioritized, while freight vehicles will be diverted to LCM and Bulusan piers. Alternative routes, including Tanjung Wangi–Gilimas and Jangkar–Lembar, will support logistics flows to West Nusa Tenggara.
Ferry services will be temporarily suspended during Nyepi Day in several ports, including Ketapang, Gilimanuk, Lembar and Padangbai, with specific closure windows between March 18 and March 20.
To manage traffic, authorities will implement buffer zones on toll and non-toll roads leading to ports and restrict ticket purchases within certain radii of major terminals, including Merak, Bakauheni, Ketapang and Gilimanuk.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said between 28 and 33 vessels per day will operate on the Merak–Bakauheni route, while 28–32 vessels will serve Ketapang–Gilimanuk. Additional vessels will operate on supporting routes from Ciwandan and Bojonegara.
The company has also added express piers, optimized its Port Operation Control Center for real-time monitoring, expanded 24-hour customer service and upgraded port facilities, including lighting and portable sanitation.
ASDP said it is ready to implement a government-backed 100% discount on port service fees at 14 ports and seven strategic routes for certain passenger and vehicle categories. A single-fare policy will apply at Merak from March 13 to March 20 and at Bakauheni from March 23 to March 29 for Class I to VIA vehicles.
Vehicle traffic nationwide is projected to reach 1.4 million units, up 9.3% from the previous year.
ASDP urged travelers to purchase tickets via the Ferizy application or website up to 60 days in advance and to arrive at ports according to their scheduled departure times to ensure orderly boarding and accurate passenger manifests.