Home Minister Inspects Readiness for 2026 Eid Return Exodus at Merak Port
Indonesia’s Home Minister (Mendagri), Muhammad Tito Karnavian, conducted a direct inspection of readiness for the 2026 Eid return exodus at Merak Port in Cilegon City, Banten, on Friday, 13 March. The inspection was carried out to ensure the readiness of cross-strait transport services ahead of the anticipated Eid holiday period, which is expected to experience a significant surge in passenger numbers.
Merak Port is one of the main mobility hubs for people travelling from Java to Sumatra.
The inspection was conducted jointly with the Minister of Coordinating Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and other relevant officials.
During the visit, Tito and his delegation directly inspected port service facilities, including passenger areas on the ferry vessels that will depart to Bakauheni Port. Tito also engaged in dialogue with several prospective travellers to enquire about their travel destinations.
Following the field inspection, Tito and the ministers and officials held a Coordination Meeting on Preparations for the 2026 Eid Exodus at Merak Port’s Executive Jetty. In his statement, Pratikno said the government is targeting this year’s exodus to proceed safely, smoothly, comfortably, and securely.
“We have just held a coordination meeting and inspection at Merak Port. Our target is, of course, that the exodus is safe, smooth, comfortable, and secure,” stated Pratikno on Friday, 13 March 2026.
He explained that the exodus is estimated to begin around 18 March 2026, whilst return traffic is predicted to occur on 29 March 2026. Nevertheless, the government hopes that the movement of travellers can be distributed across several days to prevent congestion at particular times.
This is especially important given the relatively long timeframe this year, due to the weekend, flexible working arrangements for civil servants, collective leave, and proximity to Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr.
“Therefore, with this extended period, we hope there will be a distribution of exodus traffic not concentrated on certain days,” he said.
Pratikno added that the government, together with all stakeholders, has made various preparations, including introducing several innovations to enhance the quality of exodus services. In the previous year, public satisfaction with the exodus operation was rated very highly, and it is hoped this will increase this year.
He also emphasised the importance of preparedness in anticipating various potential obstacles, including weather factors. Therefore, all parties were urged to continue collaborating and providing the best services to the public.
“This is our collective effort so that the exodus and return traffic proceed safely, comfortably, smoothly, and securely,” he concluded.