Peak Lebaran 2026 Mudik on Batam–Belawan Route Predicted for 16 and 19 March
Peak Lebaran 2026 mudik via the sea route from Batam to Belawan, North Sumatra, is forecast to occur on ship departures on 16 and 19 March 2026. Edwin Kurniansyah, head of PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI) Batam Branch, said the surge in Lebaran ferry passengers for 2026 is expected to be most significant on those two dates. The Batam–Belawan route has annually been one of the busiest corridors during the mudik season.
‘For Batam itself, the peak of mudik is predicted to occur on 16 and 19 March 2026 with Belawan as the destination,’ he told reporters on Saturday, 7 March.
The Batam–Belawan route is a top choice for people returning to Medan and other parts of North Sumatra. Besides its relatively short distance, the sea route is regarded as more economical and allows travellers to bring more goods.
Nationally, the Batam–Belawan corridor is also projected to be among the busiest sea routes during this year’s Eid al-Fitr transport period. In addition, Batam is expected to be among the five busiest departure ports during the Lebaran mudik period, with its high mobility every year making it a pivotal point in sea-mudik traffic.
He urged the public planning to travel by sea to book tickets via official channels to avoid running out, especially on the departure dates predicted to be favourites.
Nationwide, PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia has prepared for the Lebaran 2026 period which runs from 6 March to 6 April 2026. PELNI President Director Tri Andayani said the total projected Lebaran passenger number for this year is about 641,000, with the peak mudik nationalised around 18 March 2026.
‘Total ticket availability during the Lebaran transport period for 2026 reaches 751,555 tickets, with total ship capacity around 56,069 seats including capacity dispensation from the relevant authorities,’ she said.
To meet the surge in travellers, PELNI will deploy 55 ships consisting of 25 passenger vessels and 30 ferries.
She emphasised that all preparations are conducted with a focus on safety and service. All crew have met the mandatory certification requirements under international regulations to ensure safe navigation. ‘We have conducted ramp checks with the Ministry of Transportation on all passenger ships to ensure seaworthiness, fuel availability, fresh water, provisions and facilities for passengers and crew,’ she said.
In addition, PELNI is setting up Eid transport posts, monitoring weather with BMKG, and increasing security personnel on ships and at ports.
Tickets for PELNI can be obtained through various official channels such as the PELNI Mobile app, the company’s official website, the 162 contact centre, branch counters, and partner banks and modern retailers.
With these preparations, PELNI is optimistic that Lebaran 2026 mudik via sea routes can proceed smoothly, safely and comfortably for travellers departing from Batam to Belawan and other routes.