152 Passengers Join Return Flow Programme at Port for Jambi-Batam Route

The return flow one to three days after Eid (H+1 to H+3) at Kuala Tungkal Port in 2026 experienced a decline compared to 2025. Tanjung Jabung Barat (ANTARA) - A total of 152 passengers joined the return flow programme organised by the Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency Government (Pemkab Tanjab Barat) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) at Kuala Tungkal Port on the Jambi-Batam route. “We have just released the return flow passengers for the government programme, which we hold every year at Kuala Tungkal Port,” stated Nurdin Yusuf, the person in charge (PIC) of the Integrated Eid Transportation Post for 2026 in Jambi, in Tanjab Barat on Thursday. Benny explained that the departure of return flow passengers from Jambi to Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri), used the State Ship (KN) Sarotama, a patrol vessel operated by the Class II Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) in Tanjung Uban, Bintan, Riau Islands. During the departure, passengers were ferried to the middle of the Pangabuan Kuala Tungkal river channel, as the vessel could not dock at the port due to insufficient water depth. Based on data, on the second day (H+2) of the return flow, there was an 89% drop in passengers, from 500 people in 2025 to 55 passengers this Eid. However, officials consider this a normal phenomenon that often occurs, with passenger surges typically happening as the holiday period ends. He added that the free mudik and return programme at Kuala Tungkal RoRo Port is routinely carried out every year. The mudik flow usually serves the route from Batam to Kuala Tungkal, while the return flow is from Kuala Tungkal to Batam. “Overall, the return flow at Kuala Tungkal RoRo Port is normal. This free mudik and return programme is a tangible form of the state providing services to the community,” he clarified. On the other hand, Benny highlighted the presence of goods transport vehicles (trucks) still operating outside regulations. Field observations on the East Sumatra Trans-Sumatra Highway still found three-axle trucks operating during the Eid return flow period. “We also monitored the East Sumatra Trans-Sumatra Highway earlier, and there were still one or two large vehicles passing through. Even though they are still prohibited,” he complained.