Police Install Barriers at Merak Port as Mudik Traffic Intensifies

The docking areas at Merak Port in Cilegon, Banten have begun filling with homebound travellers. Officers have started implementing traffic barriers to regulate vehicle flow and prevent congestion.

Observations at wharfs 1 through 5 on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 00.15 WIB showed all docking areas fully occupied. Police and other personnel implemented barriers in the port’s parking area to manage vehicle queuing.

Police continued monitoring empty docking areas. Once cleared, vehicles would be permitted to proceed to their designated wharfs.

Vehicles began arriving at Merak Port in significant numbers from 22.00 WIB onwards, including both private cars and buses.

One traveller heading to Lampung, Fitra, stated he deliberately chose to travel during the night. He explained this allowed for more comfortable conditions and cooler temperatures during the journey.

“It’s more comfortable, especially since we’re fasting. During the day, fasting would be disrupted,” said Fitra.

The head of the Banten Police Traffic Directorate, Kombes Arief Kurniawan, had previously predicted that peak mudik traffic would occur on 17 and 18 March 2026.

“We are still referring to that initial period around 17 and 18 March. Today falls within that timeframe, along with the two days following,” said Arief on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

He stated that homebound travellers would become increasingly numerous that day, with many arriving at Merak Port or Ciwandan during late afternoon and early evening.

“Based on historical patterns and projections for the 2026 mudik season, we anticipate a significant surge during afternoon hours, approximately 18.00 until the early morning period before dawn prayers,” he said.

According to him, travellers wish to reach Lampung in the morning so they can continue their journey across Sumatra during daylight hours.