Eid Holiday 2026: Transport Ministry Prepares Four Java-to-Sumatra Ferry Terminals

The Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) is preparing four ferry terminals between Java and Sumatra to support smooth traffic flow during the 2026 Eid holiday migration (mudik). The addition of these ferry routes is expected to ease vehicle congestion heading to Sumatra through the Merak area in Banten.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the preparedness of ferry port infrastructure this year is considered better than in the previous year. “During the 2026 Eid transport season, four ferry terminals from Java to Sumatra will be provided with an increased number of vessels compared to the previous year. We hope vehicle traffic to Sumatra will run more smoothly,” he said in a press release received on Saturday (14 March 2026).

The statement was made by Dudy whilst inspecting Merak Port together with Minister of State for Human Development and Culture Pratikno in Banten on Friday (13 March 2026).

The four ferry routes being prepared include Merak–Bakauheni, Ciwandan–PT Wijaya Karya Beton, Ciwandan–Bakauheni, and BBJ Bojonegara–BBJ Muara Pilu. Additionally, PT Krakatau Bandar Samudera Port–Panjang Port is being prepared as a contingency backup.

Buffer zones have been established at Munic Line and Cikuasa Atas parking areas along arterial roads. On toll roads, buffer zones are located at rest areas at KM 13A, KM 43A, and KM 68A. Port buffer zones have been set up at Merak Port, Indah Kiat Port, BBJ Bojonegara Port, and Ciwandan Port.

Dudy stated that the peak of ferry traffic from the Merak area is estimated to occur on 18 March 2026. Nevertheless, vehicle surges are expected to begin from 14 to 15 March. “We are also anticipating the possibility of surge beginning from tonight until 15 March,” he said.

To manage vehicle movements at the ferry terminals, the government has implemented port allocation based on axle type and vehicle classification through a Joint Decision Letter (SKB). For residents planning to migrate through Merak Port and surrounding areas, Dudy urged people to always monitor information from official channels and not to be easily influenced by false reports from unclear sources.