ASDP Forecasts 9 Percent Vehicle Surge During 2026 Eid Holiday Exodus
JAKARTA — National ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has forecasted a 9 percent increase in vehicle numbers during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, particularly on the primary Java–Sumatra route.
Rio Theodore Natalianto Lasse, Director of Operations and Transformation at ASDP, stated the operator has prepared various measures to anticipate the surge in vehicles and passengers during the Eid transport period. “This year we forecast approximately a 9 percent increase in both vehicles and passengers, particularly on the Merak–Bakauheni route connecting Java and Sumatra,” Rio said at the company’s headquarters on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
To support the smooth flow of holiday traffic, ASDP is providing services across 15 ferry routes operating through 33 ports in total. Of these, 23 ports are ASDP-owned whilst 10 are auxiliary ports. “The facilities and services we are providing aim to ensure smooth operations whilst guaranteeing safety, which remains our primary priority,” he added.
On the fleet side, ASDP has prepared 50 vessels to serve the Merak–Bakauheni route, with approximately 70 ships deployed across the Java–Sumatra corridor overall. Beyond the main port, ASDP has also prepared several alternative ports to alleviate vehicle congestion, including Bandar Bakau Jaya Port in Bojonegara connected to Muara Pilu, Ciwandan Port connected to Wika Beton, and Krakatau Bandar Samudera Port connected to Panjang Port.
Rio explained that service capacity has increased compared to the previous year. Port capacity can now accommodate approximately 7,026 small vehicles, whilst vessel capacity reaches 32,093 small vehicles. “In terms of port and vessel capacity, this year’s figures have increased compared to last year, which should be able to accommodate the vehicle surge,” he said.
To manage vehicle and passenger movement, ASDP has established an operational control centre on the Merak–Bakauheni route through a Port Operational Control Center (POCC). This system enables real-time monitoring of vehicle and passenger traffic. “With this monitoring system, we can manage vehicle queues and coordinate with police if traffic management measures are required,” Rio explained.
Additionally, ASDP has implemented several policies during the holiday period, including a unified tariff scheme on the Merak–Bakauheni route during specific periods. This policy has temporarily suspended executive ticket services to expedite vehicle boarding onto vessels. “With this unified tariff scheme, service users can benefit from cost savings of approximately 51 percent,” Rio noted.