ASDP states that 49 percent of holidaymakers have returned to Java from Sumatra

Lampung (ANTARA) - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) states that 49 percent of holidaymakers have returned to Java Island from Sumatra during the Eid return flow in 2026.

ASDP’s President Director Heru Widodo in Bakauheni on Thursday said that this percentage reflects the high mobility of the public across the country’s main crossing route.

“The total number of passengers who have returned to Java during the period of 22-26 March 2026 up to 2:00 p.m. WIB, or from H to H+4, reached 444,223 people or about 49 percent of the total passengers during the outbound flow of 898,864 people,” he said.

The total number of vehicles that have returned is recorded at 118,297 units or 49 percent of the total vehicles during the outbound flow of 239,920 units.

“The Eid return flow from Sumatra to Java is entering a crucial phase. After a temporary lull at the start of the period, movements are now strengthening again, with the potential for significant surges in the coming days,” he stated.

Therefore, the company has predicted that the second return flow peak will occur on 28-29 March 2026.

“The return flow does not happen all at once but increases gradually. After a temporary lull, movements are now strengthening again and are projected to peak soon. For that reason, we are ensuring that 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),” said Heru.

According to him, with about 51 percent of service users yet to return, the potential for surges in the near term is the main concern.

To anticipate this, ASDP is strengthening adaptive operational patterns, including the implementation of the Tiba-Bongkar-Berangkat (TBB) scheme to accelerate ship turnaround times during high density.

He explained that vehicle flow control is also being reinforced through delaying systems and flow diversions at several strategic buffer zones.

“Meanwhile, in Bakauheni, support points include the Rest Area at KM 49B, KM 20B, Gayam Terminal, and RM Gunung Jati, to ensure vehicle distribution remains controlled and does not pile up at the port,” he said.

With adaptive operational strategies and strengthened coordination across stakeholders, ASDP ensures that return flow surges can be managed in a measured manner.

“The main focus remains on maintaining smoothness, safety, and comfort of travel for all service users amid increasing traffic towards the return flow peak,” he stated.