Migrant Traffic at Merak-Ciwandan Port to Sumatra Begins to Increase

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic crossing from Java to Sumatra began increasing during the past weekend, according to data from the Merak Command Post, which oversees Merak Port, Ciwandan and Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ).

“We are observing increased population movement as the mudik (holiday exodus) period approaches. Therefore, ASDP has strengthened its readiness for ferry services, from operational fleet capabilities to port facilities and service systems,” stated Heru Widodo, Chief Executive Officer of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, on Sunday, 15 March.

According to the data, cumulatively over the previous two days, 199,011 passengers crossed from Java to Sumatra through the three ports. This represents a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year, which recorded 202,791 passengers.

Meanwhile, total vehicles crossing reached 49,026 units, an increase of 5.7 per cent compared to the same period last year, which saw 46,393 vehicles.

In the reverse direction, from Sumatra to Java between Day Minus-10 and Day Minus-7, 138,179 passengers and 31,330 vehicles crossed.

To manage anticipated passenger surges and the peak Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period, ASDP will operate 28-33 ferries on the Merak-Bakauheni route. Additionally, 9-12 ferries will serve the Ciwandan-Wika Beton route, whilst 10-12 ferries will operate daily on the BBJ Bojonegara-BBJ Muara Pilu route.

According to a three-ministry agreement, Merak Port is designated for passenger vehicles, Ciwandan for motorcycles and cargo vehicles, whilst BBJ Bojonegara serves logistics vehicles.

“Beyond fleet reinforcement, ASDP is implementing a delaying system at multiple buffer zone points and managing vehicle flow through route diversions toward the ports,” Widodo added.