Passenger Flow on Ships in Eastern Indonesia Surges 10.41% During Eid 2026

High mobility of Eastern Indonesian communities during the Eid 2026 mudik and return flows is confirmed by data released by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 4. Up to H+10, the total passenger flow at all its managed ports reached 758,291 people, surging 10.41% compared to the same period last year. This figure serves as a primary indicator not only of the recovery of public trust in sea transportation but also the success of cross-agency operational synergy in handling the significant influx of holiday travellers. Balikpapan, Ambon, and Makassar ports emerged as the busiest hubs, each recording passenger flows exceeding 98,000 people. Executive Director 4 of Pelindo Regional 4, Abdul Azis, stated that this increase reflects thorough operational readiness. “Cumulatively up to H+10, the number of passengers reached 758,291 people, up 10.41% from 2025. This increase reflects operational readiness as well as synergy among all stakeholders in ensuring safe, smooth, and comfortable services for the public,” said Abdul Azis. Of the total, 412,013 were embarking passengers, while 346,278 were disembarking. The peak mudik flow occurred on H-8 (13 March 2026) with 46,949 people, while the highest return wave was on H+8 (29 March 2026) with 41,739 people, indicating a fairly concentrated movement pattern. Positive trends were also seen in ship traffic, with 1,077 vessels serviced, up slightly by 0.94% year-on-year. Ternate Port recorded the highest with 162 vessels, followed by Ambon and Manado. According to Abdul Azis, intensive coordination with ship operators was key to maintaining sailing schedule stability amid the passenger surge. To secure this influx, Pelindo Regional 4 applied integrated security strategies at all vulnerable points. Operations Division Head of Pelindo Regional 4, Yusida M. Palesang, explained that they allocated additional personnel and activated a rapid response team (emergency response team). “Some security measures implemented include regulating vehicle and passenger traffic lanes, supervising people and luggage through X-ray facilities, increasing patrol frequency, and intensive coordination with security apparatus,” said Yusida. The success of this year’s Eid transportation operations is inseparable from the solid collaboration between Pelindo, ship operators, security forces, and related agencies. Abdul Azis added that moving forward, Pelindo Regional 4 will not only conduct evaluations but also continue to boost service quality through infrastructure strengthening and digitalisation. “In the future, we will continue to evaluate and improve services to meet public needs and support inter-regional connectivity in Eastern Indonesia,” concluded Abdul Azis.