Merak–Bakauheni Becomes Barometer for Smooth Lebaran 2026 Homecoming
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has affirmed its full readiness to oversee ferry crossing services for the 2026 Lebaran Homecoming Transport season on the Merak–Bakauheni route, which once again serves as the barometer for the smooth flow of the national homecoming exodus. Both ports are critical chokepoints connecting Java and Sumatra.
Passenger and Vehicle Projections
Nationally, ASDP projects that passenger movements during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period will reach approximately 5.8 million people, representing a 9.4 per cent increase compared to the previous period. Meanwhile, vehicle movements are expected to surpass 1.4 million units, up 9.3 per cent. Based on regulatory projections, the Merak–Bakauheni crossing alone is expected to be traversed by around six million passengers.
Fleet and Personnel Readiness
In response to the anticipated surge, ASDP has deployed 75 vessels in accordance with operational arrangements and has added a second Express Berth to accelerate vehicle loading processes without compromising safety and passenger comfort. To support operations, ASDP has stationed 1,197 personnel at Merak and 786 personnel at Bakauheni to ensure vehicle management, passenger services, and safety oversight are carried out to the highest standard.
Intensive Coordination
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo explained that service readiness is being achieved through the strengthening of the fleet, port facilities, operational systems, and intensive coordination to ensure that public travel proceeds safely, comfortably, and in an orderly fashion without impeding vehicle or logistics distribution.
Traffic-Splitting Strategy in Banten
Minister of Transport Dudy outlined a traffic-splitting strategy utilising four ports. Ciwandan–Pelindo Port will serve motorcycles, small vehicles, and trucks. Krakatau Bandar Samudera (KBS) will serve as an alternative route to Panjang Port. Merak will exclusively serve private vehicles and buses, whilst Bojonegara will handle large freight trucks.
The Ministry of Transport, together with stakeholders, has also prepared five ferry crossing routes as a contingency plan: Merak–Bakauheni, Ciwandan–PT Wijaya Karya Beton, Ciwandan–Bakauheni, BBJ Bojonegara–BBJ Muara Pilu, and PT Krakatau Bandar Samudera–Panjang Port.
Ticket Booking
The public has been urged to book tickets early through the Ferizy platform, which allows bookings from 60 days prior to departure. Tickets are sent via WhatsApp or email, and digital payment is available, enabling travellers to plan their journeys with greater certainty whilst avoiding long queues during peak periods.
Government Stimulus Support
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that the government is providing an economic stimulus in the form of transport discounts with a total budget of Rp 911.16 billion sourced from both the state budget (APBN) and non-APBN funds. The government is also granting flexible working days for civil servants and private sector employees on 16, 17, 25, 26, and 27 March to help the public plan their journeys earlier and ease the congestion of homecoming traffic flows.