State ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said on Sunday it maintained smooth operations during the Eid al-Fitr travel period despite a rise in passenger and vehicle traffic.
The company reported that total passengers reached 2.59 million in the 10 days leading up to Eid, up 5.4% from 2.46 million a year earlier. Vehicle numbers rose 7.2% to 667,526 units over the same period.
On March 21 alone, passenger numbers increased 1.7% year-on-year to 156,838, while vehicle crossings rose 0.6% to 40,066 units.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said ferry services remained “under control” amid heightened mobility during the annual homecoming, known locally as mudik.
“Despite the surge in travelers, we are ensuring optimal service by increasing operational capacity, strengthening coordination with stakeholders, and prioritizing safety and comfort,” he said in a statement.
The heavily trafficked Java-Sumatra-Bali corridor remained the busiest route, prompting the company to adjust vessel operations, deploy additional personnel and implement traffic management measures, including vehicle diversions and buffer zones.
To ease congestion during the return period, ASDP said it would divert larger vehicles to Bojonegara Port between March 23 and March 29, while motorcycles and smaller vehicles will continue to be served via Merak Port.
The company has also implemented a dynamic arrival-unloading-departure system to speed up turnaround times and improve vessel rotation, alongside real-time monitoring through its Port Operational Control Centers on key routes.
Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said ticket availability for major crossings remained high at 98.66% across the 20-day Eid travel window.
She urged travelers to plan ahead and purchase tickets through the Ferizy platform up to 60 days in advance, while ensuring accurate passenger data and timely arrival at ports.
ASDP added that a government-backed fare discount program introduced on March 12 had been used by more than 1.06 million passengers, offering reductions of up to 100% on port service fees, equivalent to about 21.9% of total fares.
As of late March 21, the subsidy program had reached 14.5 billion rupiah ($X), or 40.84% of its target, covering 62.36% of users. The variation reflects differences in routes and vehicle types, the company said.
The program applies to seven routes, including Merak-Bakauheni and Ketapang-Gilimanuk, among others.
ASDP said it would also implement a single tariff policy at Bakauheni Port from March 23 to March 31 to support smoother return traffic.
The company said it remained committed to maintaining safe and efficient ferry services during the peak Eid return period.