Lebaran 2026 Return Traffic Peaks at Weekend End, Transport Ministry Issues Advice

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The peak of Lebaran return traffic is expected to occur on 24, 28, and 29 March 2026, as this tradition can drive further public movement, with people returning to their hometowns shortly before the holiday period ends on Monday, 30 March 2026. The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) reminds the public to anticipate the potential surge in return traffic, which is projected to increase after the Lebaran Ketupat celebrations on 28 March 2026. Head of Communication and Information Bureau at Kemenhub, Ernita Titis Dewi, emphasised that the weekend period, particularly Saturday and Sunday, has the potential to become a concentration point for return traffic. She explained that, in addition to land routes, crossing hubs are crucial points requiring special attention. Crossing routes such as Bakauheni and Ketapang are expected to experience a significant increase in vehicle and passenger volume if not balanced with good travel time management by the public. Optimisation of buffer zones and delaying systems will be implemented to alleviate vehicle queues heading to the Ketapang Port area. Buffer zones for four-wheeled vehicles and buses are allocated at Gran Watudodol and Bulusan Parking Pocket. Meanwhile, for goods vehicles, buffer zones are at Sri Tanjung and Parking Pockets of PT Pusri and Pelindo. Another strategy is the operation of ferries. However, for dense conditions, 30 ferries will operate, and for very dense conditions, there will be 32 ferries operating. Other anticipatory measures by Kemenhub, together with the Police, local governments, and transport operators, have prepared various control scenarios, including traffic management based on field conditions, optimisation of crossing transport capacity, and strengthening of operational services at ports and main distribution routes. Intensive monitoring is also conducted to ensure that travel safety and smoothness are maintained, including aspects of transport facility seaworthiness and personnel readiness in the field.