Nearly half of travelers returning from Sumatra to Java after the Eid al-Fitr holiday have completed their journeys, ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry said, with a second peak in traffic expected this weekend.
The state-run company said about 49% of passengers and vehicles had crossed as of Thursday afternoon, with flows beginning to pick up again after a brief lull.
“Movement did not occur simultaneously but increased gradually. After initially plateauing, traffic is now rising again and is projected to peak soon,” ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said in a statement.
The busiest period is expected on March 28–29, as millions of Indonesians conclude their annual “mudik” homecoming trips.
Data from March 22 to March 26 showed 444,223 passengers had returned to Java, out of a total 898,864 recorded during the outbound period. Vehicle crossings reached 118,297, also around 49% of the outbound total of 239,920.
With more than half of travelers yet to return, authorities are preparing for increased congestion at key ferry crossings between Bakauheni in Sumatra and Merak in Java.
ASDP said it is strengthening operations through adaptive measures, including faster ship turnaround procedures and traffic control systems at key buffer zones.
Vehicle flow is being managed through holding areas and diversions at rest stops and designated terminals near ports, including sites along the Merak and Bakauheni corridors.
The company is also offering incentives to spread travel demand more evenly. A full discount on port service fees — roughly 21.9% of ticket prices — is being applied on selected routes from March 12 to March 31.
Passengers are urged to book tickets in advance through the Ferizy platform and avoid traveling during peak periods.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said early booking and adherence to departure schedules would help reduce congestion and improve travel flow.
Traffic data also shows a rise in crossings compared to last year. As of March 26, passenger traffic from Sumatra to Java reached 878,773, up 15.3% year-on-year, while vehicle numbers rose 21.8% to 208,688.
In the opposite direction, 1.12 million passengers traveled from Java to Sumatra, a 2.9% increase, with vehicle crossings up 6.5% to 289,623.
ASDP said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to manage the expected surge and ensure safe and smooth crossings during the peak return period.