Indonesia\u2019s Home Minister (Mendagri), Muhammad Tito Karnavian,\nconducted a direct inspection of readiness for the 2026 Eid return\nexodus at Merak Port in Cilegon City, Banten, on Friday, 13 March. The\ninspection was carried out to ensure the readiness of cross-strait\ntransport services ahead of the anticipated Eid holiday period, which is\nexpected to experience a significant surge in passenger numbers.<\/p>\n
Merak Port is one of the main mobility hubs for people travelling\nfrom Java to Sumatra.<\/p>\n
The inspection was conducted jointly with the Minister of\nCoordinating Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Transport Minister\nDudy Purwagandhi, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of\nWomen\u2019s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, National\nPolice Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, TNI Commander General Agus\nSubiyanto, and other relevant officials.<\/p>\n
During the visit, Tito and his delegation directly inspected port\nservice facilities, including passenger areas on the ferry vessels that\nwill depart to Bakauheni Port. Tito also engaged in dialogue with\nseveral prospective travellers to enquire about their travel\ndestinations.<\/p>\n
Following the field inspection, Tito and the ministers and officials\nheld a Coordination Meeting on Preparations for the 2026 Eid Exodus at\nMerak Port\u2019s Executive Jetty. In his statement, Pratikno said the\ngovernment is targeting this year\u2019s exodus to proceed safely, smoothly,\ncomfortably, and securely.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have just held a coordination meeting and inspection at Merak\nPort. Our target is, of course, that the exodus is safe, smooth,\ncomfortable, and secure,\u201d stated Pratikno on Friday, 13 March 2026.<\/p>\n
He explained that the exodus is estimated to begin around 18 March\n2026, whilst return traffic is predicted to occur on 29 March 2026.\nNevertheless, the government hopes that the movement of travellers can\nbe distributed across several days to prevent congestion at particular\ntimes.<\/p>\n
This is especially important given the relatively long timeframe this\nyear, due to the weekend, flexible working arrangements for civil\nservants, collective leave, and proximity to Nyepi Day and Eid\nal-Fitr.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, with this extended period, we hope there will be a\ndistribution of exodus traffic not concentrated on certain days,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Pratikno added that the government, together with all stakeholders,\nhas made various preparations, including introducing several innovations\nto enhance the quality of exodus services. In the previous year, public\nsatisfaction with the exodus operation was rated very highly, and it is\nhoped this will increase this year.<\/p>\n
He also emphasised the importance of preparedness in anticipating\nvarious potential obstacles, including weather factors. Therefore, all\nparties were urged to continue collaborating and providing the best\nservices to the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our collective effort so that the exodus and return traffic\nproceed safely, comfortably, smoothly, and securely,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/home-minister-inspects-readiness-for-2026-eid-return-exodus-at-merak-port-1773402819", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }