Peak Exodus Traffic, Merak Port Predicted to Begin Congestion This Evening
Police predict that congestion and peak Mudik (homecoming) traffic at Merak and Ciwandan ports will commence this evening. Police have stated they have prepared anticipatory measures to prevent vehicle accumulation at the ports.
Observations at the location on Tuesday (17 March 2026) showed that Merak Port, particularly the executive terminal, had not yet experienced heavy traffic from returning travellers. Most vehicle waiting areas remained empty.
Director of Traffic of Banten Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Arief Kurniawan, stated that the peak Mudik period is predicted to fall on 17 and 18 March 2026.
“We are still basing this on the period around 17 and 18 March. Today falls within that period, along with the next two days,” said Arief on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
He stated that the exodus traffic will become heavy today, with travellers beginning to enter Merak or Ciwandan ports in the late afternoon leading up to sunset prayer time.
“Based on patterns from previous years, and likely for this 2026 exodus period, there will be an increase or surge in the late afternoon. Starting from approximately 6pm until early morning approaching dawn prayers,” he said.
According to him, travellers seek to reach Lampung province in the morning hours, allowing them to continue their journey in daylight across Sumatra island.
Congestion Anticipation Measures
Arief outlined several measures to anticipate congestion at the ports during the coming night. Police have coordinated with the Land Transport Management Centre (BPTD), the Harbour Master’s Office and Port Authority (KSOP), and ASDP (the ferry operator).
“Particularly for private vehicles heading to Merak Port, each terminal will continuously have ferries ready to depart to Sumatra island. This will minimise queuing within the port’s parking area,” he stated.
Additionally, police will implement traffic engineering and vehicle cordoning at several points. Officers will direct vehicle types according to their destination ports: motorcycles and small trucks to Ciwandan, buses and private vehicles to Merak, and large articulated trucks to the BBJ Bojonegara terminal.
“On the main roads, we will implement traffic diversion at East Cilegon. The East Cilegon junction will separate private vehicles, buses, and large articulated trucks,” he concluded.