Government Ensures Merak Port Ready for 2026 Eid Travel Rush

As the 2026 Eid transport period approaches, the government continues to ensure all national transport hubs are prepared to serve the anticipated significant increase in public mobility. One critical point of focus is the Merak-Bakauheni strait crossing, a vital route that connects millions of homebound travellers from Java to Sumatra annually.

To ensure readiness, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, along with key stakeholders, conducted a working visit and coordination meeting at Merak Port in Banten. This activity is part of efforts to strengthen cross-sector coordination to ensure the 2026 Eid transport operation runs safely, smoothly, and in a controlled manner.

Pratikno explained that the government has mapped potential population movement during the 2026 Eid transport period, including estimates of peak outbound and return traffic flows. With a sufficiently long holiday period, the government hopes the distribution of public travel can be more even to minimise congestion.

“The public is urged to prepare their journeys well and follow official information and guidance from field officers so that homecoming travel is smooth, safe and comfortable,” he stated in a written statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.

In the coordination meeting, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasised the importance of vigilance against potential extreme weather and strict oversight during peak traffic periods. All parties were also asked to commit to implementing policies outlined in the Joint Ministerial Decision across agencies to ensure smooth Eid transport operations.

As the primary operator of ferry services, ASDP, together with stakeholders, has prepared various strategic measures to anticipate traffic surges. This includes implementing a delaying system at several buffer zones, including Rest Areas KM43 and KM68 and JLS Buffer Zone in Merak, as well as Rest Areas KM87B, KM67B, KM49B, KM33B, KM20B, Gayam Terminal, and Gunung Jati Rest Area in Bakauheni. This system regulates vehicle flow before entering the port so congestion can be managed more effectively.

These preparations are also supported by integrated security with a total of 1,185 personnel in Merak and 741 personnel in Bakauheni stationed on highways, buffer zones, and port areas. Beyond operational strengthening, ASDP has also introduced increasingly user-friendly support facilities. Port areas are now equipped with food and beverage outlets, minimarkets, souvenir centres, and children’s play areas. Regular and executive waiting rooms are also equipped with air conditioning, prayer rooms, massage chairs, and automatic beverage dispensers as rest spaces before sailing.

Child-Friendly Facilities

The Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, also appreciated child and family-friendly facilities at the port. She assessed that the presence of children’s play areas creates a warmer travel atmosphere and strengthens interaction between parents and children.

For more optimal travel, ASDP has introduced the Ferizy digital ticketing service system that allows users to plan their journeys more conveniently and on a scheduled basis.

ASDP Chief Executive, Heru Widodo, explained that through this platform, ferry tickets can be booked up to 60 days before departure, with e-tickets sent directly via WhatsApp or email, and supported by various digital payment methods that further ease transactions for the public.

“We encourage those planning to travel for Eid to purchase tickets well in advance because there is no longer ticket sales at the port. Ensure you have a ticket by H-1 and avoid purchases through touts that can disadvantage users,” said Heru.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also emphasised the importance of more massive public awareness campaigns on online ticket purchases. According to him, this step is key to maintaining smooth operations and reducing potential vehicle queues at the port during the homecoming period.

With mature operational readiness and support from increasingly integrated digital systems, ASDP, together with the government and all stakeholders, is committed to delivering a more orderly, safe, and comfortable travel experience for the public during Eid homecoming.

Controlled Heavy Traffic

Based on data from the Merak Command Centre (Merak Port, Ciwandan, BBJ Bojonegara) over a 24-hour period on 12 January 2026 from 00:00-23:59 WIB, or H-9, 254 ship trips were recorded in operation.

Realised passengers crossing from Java to Sumatra on H-9 reached 41,171 people, a 19.4% decrease compared to the same period last year with 51,073 people.

Two-wheeled vehicles numbered 1,152 units, down 27.7% compared to last year’s 1,593 units. Four-wheeled vehicles reached 4,364 units, down 27.9% compared to last year’s 6,051 units.

Overall, total vehicles crossing from Java to Sumatra via Merak, Ciwandan, and BBJ Bojonegara on H-9 reached 10,117 units, down 18.1% compared to the same period last year with 12,347 units.

Accumulated passengers from H-10 to H-9 totalled 75,914 people, down 15.3% compared to last year’s 89,607 people, with total vehicles reaching 18,911 units, down 12.1% compared to last year’s 21,514 units.

Conversely, based on Bakauheni Command Centre data for the same period (H-9), 123 ship trips were recorded in operation. Realised passengers crossing from Sumatra to Java via Bakauheni Port, Wika Beton, and BBJ Muara Pilu reached 35,251 people, down 7.1% compared to last year’s 37,946 people.

Two-wheeled vehicles numbered 403 units, down 24.1% compared to last year’s 531 units. Four-wheeled vehicles reached 2,877 units, down 10.4% compared to last year’s figures.