Police Implement Traffic Blocking at Cikuasa Atas to Prevent Congestion at Merak Port

Banten Regional Police (Polda) have prepared a traffic blocking mechanism on the Cikuasa Atas route in Cilegon City as a strategic measure to manage vehicle congestion heading to Merak Port during the 2026 Eid holiday travel period.

The Banten Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, explained in Cilegon on Sunday that this blocking system will be activated situationally when the parking capacity within Merak Port has exceeded its maximum limit. This measure aims to ensure that ferry operations at the docking areas continue to run in an orderly manner.

“When the parking areas within Merak Port, particularly docks 1 through 7, are full, a blocking mechanism at Cikuasa Atas has been prepared to regulate vehicle flow,” he stated.

Under this scheme, vehicles that are held up will be directed to a number of buffer zones or external parking areas that have been prepared at Kilometre 43 and Kilometre 68 of the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road, as well as the Indah Kiat area. These locations can accommodate approximately 2,000 vehicles.

The Police Chief emphasised that the placement of vehicles at these points is part of the traffic management system, not congestion. This is done to prevent a complete pile-up at the port entrance that could hinder ship departure schedules.

In addition to Merak, strict traffic management is also being enforced on routes to Ciwandan Port via the Southern Ring Road (JLS).

For motorcycles, officers have prepared shelter tents with a capacity of 4,800 motorcycles to ensure the comfort of travellers whilst waiting for their turn to board the ferry.

“If significant congestion occurs, we will also implement a delay system. Vehicles will be directed to wait in buffer zones until conditions at the port normalise and are ready to accommodate new vehicles,” he added.

As of 11 p.m. (Western Indonesia Time), the Police Chief reported that the situation at all ports within Banten Police’s jurisdiction remained secure and conducive. Nevertheless, monitoring continues to be increased to ensure smooth travel flow through to Eid al-Fitr.