Government's Strategy to Ensure Smooth Lebaran Return Flow
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is preparing strategies to handle the Lebaran 1447 Hijriah return flow across the Sumatra-Java ferry crossings to ensure the journey back proceeds in a controlled, safe, secure, and smooth manner.
Dudy stated that his side has moved quickly to evaluate several critical points during the peak of the Lebaran outbound flow in 2026, while preparing anticipatory steps to ensure the return flow across the Sumatra-Java crossings runs safely and smoothly.
“The peak of the outbound flow has passed. Currently, our focus is on ensuring the return flow can be managed better, with faster responses and more mature strategies,” said the Minister of Transportation in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
He conveyed that his side has held an evaluation and coordination meeting at the office of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) in Merak on Sunday, involving all stakeholders.
To face the return flow, the Minister of Transportation has instructed all stakeholders to increase readiness through more adaptive and responsive scenarios to field dynamics.
Several strategies have been prepared, including accelerating the activation of arrival-unloading-departure (TBB) when there is an increase in vehicles, accompanied by capacity service simulations on the 5 and 6 dock schemes to ensure optimal capacity.
Anticipation is also being carried out for potential crossing points in Bakauheni so as not to hinder the unloading and loading flow, as well as optimising rest areas through intensive coordination with the Police in regulating vehicle distribution and flow.
In addition, an evaluation of the use of non-TBB docks and the regulation of the number of ships to remain efficient is being conducted, as well as preparing options for using the alternative crossing of Panjang Port–Krakatau Bandar Samudra (KBS) if there is a vehicle buildup.
The use of technology is also being strengthened through the use of drones for real-time monitoring, especially in the Bakauheni area, to quickly and accurately identify potential queues.
On the upstream side, optimisation of buffer zones and rest areas in implementing the delaying system mechanism on Sumatra Island is being carried out through coordination with the National Traffic Police Corps to hold vehicles before entering the port.
In addition, increased vigilance is being carried out at vulnerable points, such as souvenir sales areas on the flyover descent which have the potential to cause traffic obstructions.