Minister of Home Affairs Tito Inspects Readiness of Lebaran Exodus at Merak Harbour Alongside Cabinet Ministers
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian conducted a direct inspection of readiness for the 2026 Lebaran exodus at Merak Harbour in Cilegon City, Banten, on Friday, 13 March 2026.
The inspection was carried out alongside Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Chief of the National Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Agus Subiyanto, and other relevant officials.
During the event, Tito and his delegation inspected service facilities at the harbour, including passenger areas aboard the ferry that will depart for Bakauheni Harbour. He also spoke with several prospective travellers to enquire about their travel destinations.
Merak Harbour is one of the main mobility points for people travelling from Java to Sumatra.
Following the field inspection, Tito and the ministers and relevant officials participated in a Coordination Meeting on Preparations for the 2026 Lebaran Exodus held at the Executive Dock of ASDP Merak Harbour, Banten.
At the occasion, Coordinating Minister Pratikno stated that the government aimed for this exodus to proceed safely, smoothly, comfortably, and securely. He explained that the exodus is estimated to begin around 18 March 2026, whilst the return journey is predicted to take place on 29 March 2026.
Nevertheless, the government hopes that the movement of travellers can be distributed across several days so as not to accumulate at any particular time. This is particularly important given the relatively long timeframe for the exodus this year due to the weekend, flexible working arrangement policies for civil servants (ASN), joint leave, and proximity to Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr.
“Therefore, with this extended timeframe, we hope the exodus will be distributed and not concentrated on particular days,” he said.
In 2025, public satisfaction with the management of the exodus was rated as very high, and is expected to increase in 2026. Pratikno also emphasised the importance of preparedness in anticipating various potential obstacles, including weather factors.
All parties have therefore been asked to continue collaborating and providing the best service to the public. “This is our collective responsibility to ensure that the exodus and return journey proceed safely, comfortably, smoothly, and securely,” he said.