ASDP: Homecoming traffic at Merak-Ciwandan Port beginning to increase

Tangerang (ANTARA) - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), the principal operator of Merak-Ciwandan Port, has reported that homecoming traffic volume for Eid al-Fitr travelling to Sumatra has begun to increase seven days before Eid celebration on 1447 Hijriah/2026 Gregorian calendar.

ASDP’s Chief Executive Director Heru Widodo said in Tangerang on Sunday that with the arrival of shared leave and Eid holiday periods, vehicle volume at Merak-Ciwandan Port heading to Sumatra is currently experiencing an increase of approximately 5% compared to daily volumes from the previous period.

“So far the increase remains relatively manageable, around 5%. Our prediction is that peak homecoming traffic will occur on 18 and 19 March 2026,” he stated.

He noted that vehicle movement at the ferry terminal during the third week of the holy month of Ramadan is predominantly comprised of private vehicles, both four-wheeled and two-wheeled.

He said that the increase in vehicle activity for Eid homecoming is beginning to occur as the celebration of Eid al-Fitr approaches.

Additionally, this early movement of homecoming passengers is supported by government policy implementing Work From Anywhere (WFA) for certain employees at government agencies and institutions.

“This Eid celebration may be different. Because of the government’s Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy, coupled with extended holiday and shared leave, the public has more flexibility in choosing when to travel,” he explained.

“For our projection this year, we estimate a 9.3% increase in cross-strait traffic compared to the previous year,” he stated.

Nevertheless, to support smooth homecoming operations, ASDP has ensured readiness of ferry services. This is being done through preparation and strengthening of service posts and transport control stations provided at several points leading to Merak and Ciwandan ports, which serve as the main crossing points between Java and Sumatra.

ASDP’s services through integrated posts provided are assured to be ready to serve all needs of users of inter-island ferry services. The company also provides various facilities such as ferry information services, rest areas and ticket sales counters for Eid homecoming travel requirements.

“We also want to ensure that service quality here is very good, so that ferry service users can utilise our posts comfortably,” he said.