Busy Lebaran Return Flow: 89,000 Vehicles Have Already Crossed to Java

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The movement of the Lebaran 2026 return flow from Sumatra to Java is beginning to show a significant increase. Amid the high mobility of the public following Eid al-Fitr, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has assured that all ferry services continue to operate smoothly, safely, and under control. Based on data from the Lebaran Transport Post, cumulatively from 22 March to 25 March 2026 at 14:00 WIB (H to H+3), a total of 327,646 passengers have returned to Java Island,” said ASDP President Director Heru Widodo in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026). Heru stated that this figure reaches 36.4 percent compared to the total passengers during the outbound mudik (H-10 to H) which amounted to 898,864 people. Meanwhile, the total vehicles that have returned from Sumatra to Java reached 89,389 units or around 37 percent compared to the total vehicles during the outbound mudik recorded at 239,920 units. “This data indicates that the return flow will continue to move and is expected to increase in the coming days,” Heru added. Heru conveyed that the company continues to intensively monitor the development of the return flow and optimise all aspects of service. “Along with the formation of the return flow traffic, we ensure that ferry operations continue to run smoothly, both in terms of fleet readiness and service to users. Coordination with all stakeholders continues to be strengthened so that the movement of passengers and vehicles remains controlled,” said Heru. To anticipate the surge, Heru added, ASDP has prepared various strategic measures, starting from operating ships adjusted to density schemes, contingency plan readiness through the provision of tugboats and 24-hour standby technicians, to implementing the Arrive-Unload-Depart (TBB) pattern to speed up service times during dense conditions. Not only focusing on operational smoothness, ASDP also provides additional comfort for service users at the ports. ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale explained that various facilities have been prepared, starting from food and beverage tenants, souvenir centres, air-conditioned rooms, massage chairs, sofas, vending machines, to children’s play areas. “We also present a child-friendly mudik programme as a commitment to providing a more comfortable journey for families,” said Windy. The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Land Transportation has dispatched participants of the 2026 Free Road Transport Return Flow from 12 cities in various regions of Indonesia to Jakarta, Depok, and Tangerang (Jadeta). On the previous day, a number of motorcycles had been dispatched in the free return programme for motorcycles from four terminals on Java Island. Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan stated that the government is facilitating the free return programme to ensure the safety and smoothness of public travel during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period. In addition, this programme also aims to reduce the use of motorcycles for long-distance travel which has a relatively high traffic accident risk. “During this return flow period, the public’s mobility level is still high. Therefore, not only the outbound mudik, we are also holding a free return programme so that public travel proceeds more safely, orderly, and comfortably,” said Aan in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026). Aan stated that this is a manifestation of the state’s presence in providing transportation services to the public and to ease the burden on the public during this Lebaran mudik period. Aan said there are 4,270 free return participants with 100 buses from 12 terminals on Java or Sumatra islands, including TTA Kertawangunan, Kuningan; TTA Mangkang, Semarang; TTA Purboyo, Madiun; TTA Purabaya, Surabaya; TTA Anak Air, Padang; TTA Alang-Alang Lebar, Palembang; TTA Batoh, Aceh; TTA Amplas, Medan; TTA Tirtonadi, Solo; TTA Giwangan, Yogyakarta; TTA Giri Adipura, Wonogiri; and TTA Bulupitu, Purwokerto.