Minister of Transportation Estimates 3.87 Million People Will Travel for Eid al-Fitr 2026 in South Sumatra

Palembang (ANTARA) - Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi estimates that the movement of people during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday in the South Sumatra region will reach 3.87 million people, ranking it seventh nationally.

“Nationally, this year, based on existing data, it is estimated that the movement of people during the Eid al-Fitr holiday will be 143.91 million people. The movement in South Sumatra is estimated at 3.87 million people, ranking seventh nationally,” said Dudy when interviewed in Palembang, South Sumatra, Wednesday.

He explained that South Sumatra is a transit area and a central corridor of Sumatra Island, so it has the potential to experience high traffic density during the Eid al-Fitr period. The choice of transportation for travelers is still dominated by private vehicles, especially cars, followed by motorcycles and buses.

“However, the ‘work from anywhere’ policy will help disperse and reduce the density of people’s movements,” he explained.

He ensured that the condition of the roads in South Sumatra, both on the eastern and central routes, is targeted to be ready 10 days before Eid al-Fitr. Currently, repairs are being carried out by the relevant parties with progress that is considered very good.

“Hopefully, it will be completed 10 days before Eid al-Fitr, and there will be no more potholes,” he said.

In addition, the repair of the Kayu Agung-Palembang Toll Road is also being accelerated. He acknowledged that there have been complaints from the public regarding toll rates, which are considered quite high.

“Repairs must be done gradually, not all at once. The investment is certainly large, and there must be calculations. The rates are indeed expensive, but I believe that with the toll road, the growth and economy of South Sumatra and its people will improve,” said Dudy.

Meanwhile, the Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru, said that the repair of the national road connecting South Sumatra with neighboring provinces, which spans approximately 1,500 kilometers, is targeted to be completed 10 days before Eid al-Fitr.

Several points that previously went viral due to damage, such as in Musi Banyuasin, Prabumulih, Musi Rawas, and Lahat, will soon be repaired.

“All national roads connecting approximately 1,500 kilometers will be completed 10 days before Eid al-Fitr, a guarantee from the Ministry of Public Works. Including the Palembang-Betung Toll Road, a guarantee from Waskita Sriwijaya Toll that it will be completed,” he said.