Ministry predicts 144 million travellers for 2026 Eid homecoming

Transportation Minister Purwagandhi stated that a survey shows 143.7 million people, or nearly 144 million, will travel during the Eid homecoming period. However, he anticipated a possible increase, noting that last year’s survey projected 146 million while the actual number reached 154 million.

Following a coordination meeting on Eid transportation readiness, the minister stated that the Eid transportation command post will operate from 13 to 29 March to coordinate services across land, sea, air and rail transport.

He noted that several anticipatory measures have been prepared, including restrictions on the operation of heavy trucks with three or more axles, except for vehicles transporting staple goods, fuel and other essential commodities, in accordance with a joint ministerial decree.

The Transportation Ministry, in coordination with the National Police Traffic Corps, will also implement traffic management measures such as contraflow, one-way systems and odd-even licence plate schemes on toll road sections prone to congestion.

Regarding Nyepi, the Day of Silence in Bali, which falls on 19 March, Purwagandhi said crossings to Bali Island will be temporarily suspended. A delay system and buffer zones will be put in place to manage vehicle flows.

The government will also apply a Work From Anywhere policy on 16 and 17 March to support the outbound flow, and on 25 and 26 March for the return flow, with the aim of spreading travel demand more evenly.

Meanwhile, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa expressed readiness to strengthen coordination with the military and police to ensure that Eid transportation runs safely and smoothly.