Ministry of Transportation on Guard for Lebaran Ketupat Return Flow at Crossings

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is paying special attention to crossing routes amid the potential surge in return traffic following Lebaran Ketupat today, Saturday (28/3/2026). Points such as Bakauheni Port and Ketapang are expected to experience a significant increase in vehicle and passenger volume. The Head of Communication and Information Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation, Ernita Titis Dewi, stated that this situation needs to be anticipated from the start, particularly by the public returning to their hometowns. Overall, the peak of the Lebaran return flow is predicted to occur on 24, 28, and 29 March 2026. The Lebaran Ketupat tradition is seen as further encouraging subsequent public movement in close proximity, ahead of the end of the holiday period on Monday (30/3/2026). In addition to crossing routes, Kemenhub is also wary of potential density on major road arteries due to the weekend period, especially Saturday and Sunday, which could become concentration points for the return flow. To anticipate the surge at Ketapang Port, Kemenhub has prepared several measures, including the optimisation of buffer zones and delaying systems to ease vehicle queues. Buffer zones for four-wheeled vehicles and buses are allocated at Grand Watudodol and the Bulusan Parking Pocket. Meanwhile, goods vehicles are directed to the Sri Tanjung buffer zone as well as parking pockets owned by PT Pusri and Pelindo. In normal conditions, there are 28 ships operating, increasing to 30 ships during dense conditions, and up to 32 ships during very dense conditions. Kemenhub, along with the Police, local government, and transport operators, has also prepared various control scenarios. These steps include traffic management based on field conditions, optimisation of crossing transport capacity, and strengthening of operational services at ports and main distribution routes. “We urge the public not to travel simultaneously during peak times. Arranging departure schedules, maintaining physical condition, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy are important factors in supporting the smooth return flow,” she said.