As millions of Indonesians prepare to journey home for Eid al-Fitr, the docks at Merak Port are bracing for one of their busiest periods of the year. At the western tip of Java, the port serves as the main gateway to Sumatra via the Merak–Bakauheni crossing, among the country’s most heavily trafficked sea routes.
In anticipation of the holiday surge, state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) on Monday stepped up safety and sustainability measures, distributing 750 life jackets and launching an electric shuttle bus service within the port complex.
The initiatives, company executives said, reflect a broader push to strengthen operational standards while improving passenger comfort during peak travel.
“This is not merely about compliance,” ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said at the event. “For us, safety is a core value that underpins every service we provide. The distribution of life jackets is a concrete step to reinforce a culture of safety, especially in the Merak Port area and its surroundings.”
The handover ceremony brought together transportation officials, port authorities and industry partners, underscoring the strategic importance of the crossing that links Java, Indonesia’s economic heartland, with resource-rich Sumatra.
Raising Safety Standards
The life jackets were distributed through ASDP’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, part of a wider effort to enhance maritime preparedness ahead of the annual Eid homecoming, known locally as “mudik.”
With passenger volumes expected to spike sharply in the coming weeks, maritime safety remains a key focus for authorities. The additional safety equipment is intended not only for emergency preparedness but also to raise awareness of safety standards among ferry operators and port communities.
ASDP operates dozens of ferry routes across the archipelago, making it one of Indonesia’s central players in inter-island connectivity.
Moving Toward a “Green Port”
Alongside the safety initiative, ASDP introduced an electric shuttle bus in collaboration with insurer PT Jasaraharja Putera. The vehicle will transport passengers and staff around the port area, easing mobility, particularly for elderly travelers, families with young children and people with disabilities.
“The operation of this shuttle bus is part of our transformation toward the Green Port concept,” Heru said, referring to efforts to reduce emissions and embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in port operations.
President Director of PT Jasaraharja Putera Abdul Haris said the partnership illustrates how state-linked enterprises can collaborate to strengthen Indonesia’s transport ecosystem.
“We hope this cooperation will continue to grow, not only in supporting facilities but also in ensuring ferry services that are safe, comfortable and delivered with wholehearted service,” he said.
Preparing for the Peak
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and traditionally triggers one of the world’s largest seasonal migrations, as Indonesians travel from major cities back to their hometowns.
For Merak Port, that means round-the-clock operations and careful coordination between ferry operators, transport regulators and local authorities.
By combining additional safety equipment with low-emission transport solutions, ASDP aims to present a model of ferry services that are not only reliable during peak demand, but also more sustainable in the long term. As holiday travelers begin to stream through its gates, Merak will once again test the resilience of Indonesia’s maritime backbone, with safety and sustainability now taking center stage.