Government Ensures Merak Port Ready for Eid Holiday Rush

The Government has ensured the readiness of all national transport hubs to handle the surge in public mobility during the 2026 Eid Holiday Transport Period. One crucial focal point commanding attention is the Merak Port–Bakauheni Port crossing, a vital route that annually connects millions of holidaymakers from Java to Sumatra.

To verify this readiness, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, along with key stakeholders, conducted a working visit and coordination meeting at Merak Port in Banten. This activity formed part of efforts to strengthen cross-sector coordination to ensure the Eid Holiday Transport operations run safely, smoothly and under control.

Attending the meeting were Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Indonesian National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Military Commander Agus Subiyanto, ASDP Indonesia Ferry Chief Executive Heru Widodo, Operations and Transformation Director Rio Lasse, and numerous other stakeholders.

Coordinating Minister Pratikno explained that the Government has mapped potential population movements during the 2026 Eid Holiday Transport period, including estimates of peak departure and return flows. With an extended holiday period, the Government hopes to distribute travel more evenly to minimise congestion. “The public is urged to prepare their journeys carefully and follow official information and instructions from field personnel so that the holiday journey runs smoothly, safely and comfortably,” he said.

During the coordination meeting, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasised the importance of vigilance against potential extreme weather and strict monitoring during peak traffic periods. All parties were asked to commit to implementing policies outlined in joint ministerial and agency decisions to ensure smooth Eid Holiday Transport operations.

As the principal ferry service operator, ASDP, alongside stakeholders, has prepared various strategic measures to anticipate traffic surges. These include implementing a delaying system at several buffer zone points, namely Rest Areas at KM43 and KM68 and JLS Buffer Zone in Merak, and Rest Areas at KM87B, KM67B, KM49B, KM33B, KM20B, Gayam Terminal and Gunung Jati Rest Area in Bakauheni. This system regulates vehicle flows before entering the port so that congestion can be better managed.

This readiness is further supported by integrated security with a total of 1,185 personnel at Merak and 741 personnel at Bakauheni positioned on roads, 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 tenants, minimarkets, souvenir centres and children’s play areas. Waiting areas, both regular and executive, are equipped with air conditioning, prayer rooms, massage chairs and automatic beverage dispensers as rest spaces before sailing.

Child-Friendly Facilities

Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi also appreciated the child and family-friendly facilities at the port. She noted that children’s play areas create a warmer travel atmosphere and strengthen parent-child interaction.

For more optimal travel, ASDP has introduced the Ferizy digital ticketing service system, which allows passengers to plan journeys more conveniently and on schedule.

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, supported by various digital payment methods that further ease transactions for the public.

“We encourage those travelling for the holiday to purchase tickets well in advance as there is no longer ticket sales at the port. Ensure you have tickets by the day before departure and avoid purchasing from touts who can harm users,” said Heru.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also stressed the importance of more intensive public awareness of online ticket purchases. According to him, this step is key to maintaining operational smoothness and reducing potential vehicle queues at the port during the holiday travel period.

With thorough operational readiness and support from increasingly integrated digital systems, ASDP, the Government and all stakeholders are committed to providing a more orderly, safe and comfortable holiday travel experience for the public.

Controlled Heavy Traffic

Based on data from Merak Command Post, which covers Merak Port, Ciwandan and BBJ Bojonegara over a 24-hour period from 12 January 2026 from 00.00–23.59 WIB, or nine days before departure (H-9), 254 ferry trips were operated.

Actual passenger crossings from Java to Sumatra on H-9 reached 41,171 people, a decrease of 19.4 per cent compared to 51,073 people during the same period last year.

Two-wheeled vehicles totalled 1,152 units, down 27.7 per cent compared to 1,593 units last year. Four-wheeled vehicles reached 4,364 units, down 27.9 per cent compared to 6,051 units last year.

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

The cumulative passenger count from H-10 to H-9 totalled 75,914 people, down 15.3 per cent compared to 89,607 people last year, with total vehicles reaching 18,911 units, down 12.1 per cent compared to 21,514 units last year.