Minister urges anticipating extreme weather during Eid travel season
Transportation Minister Purwagandhi has urged anticipation of extreme weather conditions during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr travel season, saying the ministry will coordinate with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to help ensure a smooth homecoming period.
“Regarding extreme weather, we will coordinate with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to help ensure that the Eid travel period runs smoothly,” he said in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province, on Tuesday.
He added that, if necessary, the ministry would consider weather modification measures, particularly to support ferry crossings.
Purwagandhi said the ministry will continue monitoring conditions ahead of the establishment of Eid travel command posts scheduled to open on 13 March. The National Police are also set to begin operations prior to that date.
The minister stressed the need to anticipate high waves in ferry crossing areas, which could disrupt travel during the peak period.
“There have been recommendations to increase the number of joint personnel to manage congestion and reduce the risk of accidents during the 2026 Eid travel season,” he said.
He emphasised that both central and regional governments are working to ensure smooth public mobility during the annual homecoming exodus.
Earlier, Purwagandhi announced that 143.9 million people are projected to travel during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr season, based on a Ministry of Transportation survey.
“Compared with last year’s survey projection of 146 million, the figure is slightly lower. However, the actual number of travellers in 2025 reached 154 million,” he said in a statement issued on Friday (13 February).
To accommodate the expected surge, the ministry has prepared 31,345 buses, 2,683 trains, 829 ships, 392 aircraft, and 255 ferries.
Additional measures include ticket discounts, free homecoming programmes, and a joint ministerial decree regulating freight vehicle operations during the travel period.