Lebaran 2026, the Ministry of Transport Prepares 814 Ships to Transport 3.2 Million Passengers

During Lebaran 2026’s sea transport period, the Ministry of Transport has prepared 841 ships with a total carrying capacity of around 3.2 million passengers. This was stated by Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi during the Lebaran 2026 Sea Transport Coordination Meeting at the Ministry’s Central Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. ‘Specifically for Lebaran sea transport operations, the government has prepared 841 ships with a total capacity of around 3.2 million passengers,’ Dudy said. ‘Therefore, the government is ensuring the readiness of fleets and port services to support smooth travel for the public during the Lebaran period,’ he added. Dudy also outlined concrete steps to ensure adequate services. Shipworthiness testing has been conducted, covering passenger ships, ferries, fast boats, traditional boats, and even tourist boats. ‘We must ensure that sea transport services during Lebaran are safe, secure, comfortable, orderly, and smooth,’ Dudy said. Registration opens on 6 March 2026, with departures running from 11 March to 6 April 2026. The government is also offering a 30 percent tariff discount across all PSO PT Pelni economy-class routes, covering more than 445 thousand tickets. ‘This measure is expected to ease the burden on the public while supporting more evenly distributed mudik flows,’ Dudy said. Dudy emphasised that shipping safety must be the top priority in organising Lebaran sea transport 2026, given the high mobility of people during the departure and return period this year. ‘This is the unequivocal reiteration: there can be no compromise on safety. Shipping safety is the top priority and non-negotiable,’ he asserted. Dudy underscored that with passenger numbers projected to rise this year, all parties must take comprehensive anticipatory steps. These steps include ensuring seaworthiness of ships and voyage safety through thorough inspections of the fleet, safety equipment, and crew competence. Moreover, port facilities and infrastructure must be enhanced, including passenger terminals, waiting areas, health facilities, and an information system that is informative and easily accessible to the public. Dudy urged service to the public be delivered in a humane and inclusive manner, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. He reminded all ranks to uphold integrity in performing their duties and delivering services to the public. ‘The quality of Lebaran transport organisation is not only determined by the readiness of facilities and infrastructure, but also by the integrity of all members of the Ministry of Transportation. Without integrity, even good technical work can lose its meaning,’ the Minister affirmed.