ASDP Records 163,603 Passengers Crossing to Sumatra on H-3 of Eid
The peak phase of the 2026 Eid homecoming exodus is underway. Public movement from Java to Sumatra continues to show a significant upward trend, making the Merak-Bakauheni crossing a primary indicator of the national homecoming flow. Amid this surge, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has assured optimal ferry service readiness.
Based on data from the Merak Post covering Merak Port, Ciwandan, and BBJ Bojonegara over an 8-hour period (19 March 2026 from 00:00 to 08:00 WIB) or H-2, 79,521 passengers had crossed, an increase of 20.4% compared to the same period last year with 66,044 people. Meanwhile, the total vehicles reached 27,157 units, up 22.2% from last year’s 22,222 units.
ASDP’s President Director, Heru Widodo, emphasised that this trend indicates the homecoming flow has entered its peak phase since Tuesday (17/3) and is projected to continue until Thursday (19/3).
“This increase in mobilisation reflects the peak homecoming phase. ASDP continues to strengthen operations and coordination across stakeholders to ensure services remain optimal, safe, and smooth,” said Heru in his statement on Thursday (19/3/2026).
H-3 Peak Homecoming Flow
A significant surge was recorded on 18 March (H-3) with 163,603 passengers and 44,440 vehicles crossing from Java to Sumatra. These figures represent a sharp increase compared to 17 March, which recorded 104,321 passengers and 27,527 vehicles. This upward trend is expected to persist with high public mobility ahead of the holiday.
To anticipate the traffic surge, ASDP operates 28 to 33 ships per day on the Merak-Bakauheni route depending on density levels. Traffic engineering through diversions to alternative ports, implementation of delaying systems in several buffer zones, and strengthened coordination with stakeholders are being carried out intensively.
Optimisation of the Arrival-Unloading-Departure (TBB) pattern serves as the primary strategy to maintain smooth crossing flows. Through this pattern, arriving ships immediately unload cargo and are promptly dispatched again, thereby reducing berthing time and significantly increasing service capacity.
Meanwhile, ASDP’s Corporate Secretary, Windy Andale, urged service users to plan their journeys properly by purchasing tickets before arriving at the port.
“Ensure identity data is filled correctly and arrive according to the ticket schedule. Through Ferizy, users can also reschedule with a 10% deduction or request a refund with a 25% deduction as per regulations. This provides flexibility in our services amid high mobility,” explained Windy.
Up to H-2, Traffic Busy but Smooth
Cumulatively, Merak Post data from H-10 to H-2 records 711,052 passengers crossing from Java to Sumatra, an increase of 3.5% compared to last year’s 636,741 people. Total vehicles reached 190,479 units, up 9.3% from 174,246 units.
From Sumatra to Java, 348,766 passengers were recorded, up 2.9% from last year’s 338,911 people. Meanwhile, vehicles reached 72,696 units, an increase of 8.9% from 66,749 units.
With mature operational preparedness and solid coordination, ASDP is committed to delivering ferry services that prioritise safety, comfort, and smoothness for all users during this peak Eid homecoming moment.