Homecoming Traffic for Lebaran 2026 in Eastern Indonesia Projected to Exceed 882,620 Passengers
Passenger numbers during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period in Eastern Indonesia are projected to reach 882,620 people. This figure represents an increase of approximately 5% compared to last year’s realisation, which was recorded at 840,590 passengers.
This surge reaffirms the strengthening trend of population mobility through maritime transport in recent years across eastern Indonesia.
Abdul Azis, Executive Director of Pelindo Regional 4, revealed that the Lebaran homecoming period remains the season with the highest passenger movement at ports managed by Pelindo in Eastern Indonesia. According to him, this projected 5% increase aligns with strengthening maritime transport connectivity and continuously growing population mobility year on year.
“Based on our operational projections, passenger flow during this year’s Lebaran Transport period is estimated to reach approximately 882,620 people. This growth demonstrates that maritime transport remains the backbone of population mobility in Eastern Indonesia, particularly during the Lebaran homecoming period,” said Abdul Azis on Monday (9 March).
This positive trend is evident from five years of data recording consistent growth. In 2022, passenger numbers were recorded at approximately 594,263 people, increasing to 715,256 in 2023, 764,010 in 2024, and 840,590 during the 2025 Lebaran Transport period. In 2026, this figure is projected to surge to 882,620 passengers.
To ensure smooth homecoming traffic this year, Pelindo Regional 4 has prepared various strategic measures. Abdul Azis explained that they are ensuring all passenger terminal facilities are in operational readiness and strengthening coordination with all stakeholders, including shipping operators and relevant agencies.
“We are committed to delivering smooth, safe, and comfortable homecoming services for the public. Therefore, infrastructure readiness and synergy with stakeholders are our top priorities,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Yusida M. Palesang, Division Head of Operations at Pelindo Regional 4, outlined that several major ports in Eastern Indonesia are projected to once again become major passenger hubs during this year’s Lebaran homecoming period.
Based on 2025 Lebaran Transport data, the five ports with the highest passenger flow in Regional 4 include Makassar Port with 126,006 passengers, Balikpapan with 112,531 passengers, Ambon with 103,679 passengers, Parepare with 97,174 passengers, and Ternate with 67,460 passengers.
Entering Lebaran 2026, passenger numbers at these ports are projected to increase further. Makassar Port is estimated to serve approximately 132,306 passengers, followed by Balikpapan with 118,158 passengers, Ambon with 108,863 passengers, Parepare with 102,033 passengers, and Ternate with 70,833 passengers.
“Makassar Port is projected to remain the port with the highest passenger flow in Regional 4 during the Lebaran homecoming season, followed by Balikpapan and Ambon. Therefore, we are preparing enhanced passenger flow management and optimisation of passenger terminal services at these ports,” explained Yusida.
She added that during last year’s Lebaran Transport period, the peak outbound rush was recorded at H-3 (three days before Lebaran) with 41,049 passengers, whilst the peak return flow occurred at H+7 (seven days after Lebaran) with a total of 40,197 passengers.
This movement pattern is expected to recur during this year’s homecoming season, and preparations have been made accordingly.
To support smooth homecoming traffic, three major shipping operators have been prepared to serve passengers at Makassar Port: PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI) with 14 vessels, PT Dharma Lautan Utama (DLU) with 4 vessels, and PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP) with 1 vessel.
The total number of operating vessels reaches 19 units, comprising 14 passenger ships and 5 RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels that will serve shipping routes across eastern Indonesia.
Overall, Pelindo Regional 4 is operating 20 passenger terminals during the Lebaran Transport period to ensure service continuity for maritime transport users.
With infrastructure readiness, fleet deployment, and thorough coordination, Pelindo is optimistic that port services during this year’s Lebaran homecoming period can operate optimally while supporting smooth population mobility and logistics activities in Eastern Indonesia.
Iwan Sjarifuddin, General Manager of Pelindo Regional 4 Makassar, added that they continue coordinating with various parties to ensure the entire homecoming service sequence runs as expected.
“We hope the public will enjoy a safe and comfortable homecoming journey with their families. All our field teams will work maximally to make the homecoming experience memorable for people in Eastern Indonesia,” he concluded.
Throughout 2025, passenger ship traffic at Makassar was recorded at 658 calls with a total of 962,531 passengers.