Indonesian state ferry operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry expects passenger and vehicle traffic to rise by about 9% during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, as millions of Indonesians travel to their hometowns for the annual holiday.
The company projects ferry passenger traffic will reach around 5.8 million people, up 9.4% from the previous year, while vehicle crossings are expected to total about 1.4 million units, an increase of 9.3%, across 15 nationally monitored ferry routes.
The Eid travel season surrounding Eid al-Fitr typically sees a sharp rise in mobility across Indonesia’s archipelago, with ferry transport serving as a key link between islands.
“These routes experience significant increases in traffic during the homecoming period,” said Rio Lasse, Director of Operations and Transformation at ASDP.
The monitored routes include major crossings such as Merak Port – Bakauheni Port, as well as Ciwandan–Wika Beton, Bojonegara–Muara Pilu, Ketapang–Gilimanuk, Padangbai–Lembar, Jangkar–Lembar, Kayangan–Pototano, Kariangau–Penajam, Bajoe–Kolaka, Hunimua–Waipirit, Bira–Pamatata, Bolok–Rote, Bitung–Ternate, Ajibata–Ambarita, Telaga Punggur–Tanjung Uban, Tanjung Api-Api–Tanjung Kalian and Nias–Sibolga.
“The Eid transportation period is a crucial moment for ferry services due to the surge in public mobility,” Lasse said. “We are ensuring that all operational elements are fully prepared, from fleet readiness to port facilities and service quality.”
ASDP said the Java–Sumatra and Java–Bali crossings will experience the highest traffic volumes during the holiday travel period.
On the Java–Sumatra route, passenger numbers are projected to reach 1.56 million people, up 10.3%, with 371,653 vehicles expected to cross, an increase of 9.9%.
Meanwhile, traffic in the Sumatra–Java direction is forecast at 1.51 million passengers, a rise of 11.2%, and 353,901 vehicles, up 10.5%.
For the Java–Bali route, ASDP estimates 805,851 passengers and 217,117 vehicles, representing increases of 10% and 9.3%, respectively. Travel in the Bali–Java direction is projected to reach 869,604 passengers and 248,161 vehicles, up 9.5% and 8.7%.
Nationally, ASDP operates 320 ferry routes, comprising 91 commercial routes and 229 pioneer routes, supported by 222 vessels across 37 ports managed by 27 branches.
Operational Preparations and Traffic Management
To handle the anticipated surge, ASDP is strengthening operational readiness across major ports. Measures include adding an Express II pier on the Merak–Bakauheni crossing, providing 24-hour customer service, installing portable toilets, and improving port-area lighting to enhance safety and passenger comfort.
The company is also coordinating with authorities to manage traffic flows through buffer-zone delaying systems, geofencing technology, and vehicle diversions to alternative ports during peak periods.
Child-Friendly Facilities for Families
ASDP is also introducing family-oriented services through a Child-Friendly Homecoming program titled “Semarak Liburan 2026”, organized in collaboration with Dongeng Academy.
Children’s activity corners will be available at Merak Port and Bakauheni Port from seven days before until seven days after Eid al-Fitr.
The facilities include mini playgrounds, board games, reading and creativity rooms, as well as interactive activity areas. Children will also receive goodie bags, snacks and activity books designed to keep them entertained while waiting to board ferries.
Fare Stimulus and Ticketing
As part of government efforts to maintain transport affordability during the holiday travel period, ASDP is implementing a 100% discount on port service fees, equivalent to roughly 21.9% of the total ferry fare, across seven routes and 14 ports.
The discount applies to pedestrians, regular Class II and IVA vehicles, as well as pedestrians and Class II express vehicles.
ASDP will also introduce a single-fare policy to streamline traffic distribution. The policy will apply at Merak from March 13 at 12:00 p.m. WIB until March 20 at 3:00 p.m. WIB, and at Bakauheni from March 23 at 12:00 a.m. WIB until March 29 at 2:00 p.m. WIB for Class I to VIA vehicles.
ASDP Finance Director Bunga H. Oktaviyanti said the fare stimulus aims to help maintain affordability for travelers.
“This stimulus is intended to help people make their homecoming trips more affordable while supporting smooth mobility during the Eid holiday period,” she said.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale urged passengers to purchase ferry tickets in advance through the company’s digital ticketing platform, Ferizy.
“We remind the public to buy tickets through Ferizy, as there are no ticket sales at the port,” Andale said. “Passengers should avoid ticket scalpers and ensure their personal data matches their identification to ensure a smoother journey.”
With expanded operational readiness, enhanced services and digital ticketing, ASDP said it aims to ensure safe and orderly ferry travel across Indonesia during the 2026 Eid homecoming season.