ASDP Predicts Half of Sumatra Returnees to Head Back to Java This Weekend
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has recorded that around 49% of returnees from Sumatra have returned to Java Island. The remaining more than half of the returnees are predicted to return during the peak of the second return flow on 28–29 March 2026.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo described the current situation as a consolidation phase leading to the peak return flow. In this phase, movements that were previously dispersed are starting to concentrate again.
“The return flow does not occur all at once but increases gradually. After a period of slowdown, movements are now strengthening again and are projected to reach their peak soon. Therefore, we are ensuring all operational readiness is at an optimal level, while urging the public to avoid the peak period estimated for Saturday (28/3) and Sunday (29/3),” Heru said in a statement quoted on Friday (27/3).
Based on operational data, the number of passengers who have returned to Java from 22–26 March 2026 until 14:00 WIB (H to H+4) reached 444,223 people. That figure is about 49% of the total passengers during the outbound flow, which reached 898,864 people.
Meanwhile, the number of vehicles that have returned is recorded at 118,297 units, equivalent to 49% of the total vehicles during the outbound trip of 239,920 units. With around 51% of service users yet to return, the potential for a surge in the near term is the main concern.
To anticipate this, ASDP is applying a more adaptive operational pattern, including the Tiba–Bongkar–Berangkat (TBB) scheme to speed up ship turnarounds during congestion. Additionally, vehicle flow control is strengthened through delaying systems and traffic diversions in several strategic buffer zones.
In Merak, arrangements are made via Rest Area KM 43, KM 68, and the South Ring Road (JLS). Meanwhile, in Bakauheni, support points include Rest Area KM 49B, KM 20B, Gayam Terminal, and RM Gunung Jati, to ensure vehicle distribution remains controlled and does not pile up in the port area.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale stated that the company is also providing tariff stimuli to encourage more even travel distribution. One of them is a 100% discount on port service fees, equivalent to about 21.9% of the total crossing fare.
The discount applies to seven routes and 14 ports during the period of 12–31 March 2026. The policy applies to pedestrians and regular Group II and IVA vehicles, as well as pedestrians and Group II for express services.
Additionally, a single tariff is applied in Bakauheni from 23 to 29 March 2026 for Group I to VIA vehicles.
“For smoother travel, the public is urged to buy tickets early through Ferizy, available up to H-60, avoid touts, and arrive according to the departure schedule,” Windy said. (H-2)