Merak Port Experiences Heavier Traffic During Evening Hours; Police Prepare for Congestion

Merak Port has become congested with returning travellers (pemudik) during nighttime hours compared to daytime periods. Police are anticipating increased density and urging travellers to arrive at the port during daytime hours.

According to Banten Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, returning travellers wish to arrive at Bakauheni Port near dawn. Consequently, they arrive in large numbers at Merak Port during evening and night hours.

“Travellers depart Merak in the evening, hoping to arrive at Bakauheni near dawn, so they can travel through Sumatra in daylight conditions,” said Maruli on Sunday (15 March 2026).

This situation creates a risk of congestion during nighttime hours. Police and other officials are therefore preparing measures to manage increased vehicle volume.

“Banten Regional Police are preparing for a potential increase in vehicle volume during the return journey period. Our solution involves establishing four buffer zones for travellers, promoting ticket purchases through mobile applications to prevent accumulation at the port which could disrupt other travellers,” he explained.

Additionally, police will coordinate with port management to assist the ticketing process for returning travellers.

“We are coordinating with ASDP (the port operator) so that ticketing staff can assist travellers with check-in procedures once the ferry ramp doors are opened, thereby reducing queues at the ferry entrance,” he added.

Maruli also noted there is a priority schedule for crossings, prioritising people, basic foodstuffs, essential supplies, livestock for Eid consumption, and fuel.

“Vessels arrive, unload and depart, rather than arrive and load-unload, because the percentage of passengers travelling from Sumatra to Java is smaller,” he stated.

At the time of reporting, Merak Port in Cilegon, Banten, appeared quiet during daytime hours with no significant congestion among returning travellers. Relatively few vehicles were queuing in the port area, with many lanes still unoccupied.