Return Flow from Sumatra to Java Evenly Distributed, 79 Percent of Travellers Have Returned

Seventy-nine percent of Eid travellers from Sumatra have returned to Java by H+6 of Lebaran 2026. Data records 713,702 passengers have crossed out of a total of 898,864 during the outbound flow, while returning vehicles number 188,559 units or 79 percent of the total 239,920 units.

“This achievement shows the return flow is proceeding more evenly, thus able to suppress potential density during peak periods and maintain smooth ferry services,” said ASDP Director of Operations and Transformation, Rio Lasse, in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday (29/3/2026).

Based on data from the Bakauheni Post during 24 hours on 28 March 2026 (00:00–23:59 WIB), said Rio, 111,589 passengers crossed from Sumatra to Java, down 11 percent from last year’s 125,406 people. Meanwhile, the total vehicles reached 29,893 units, up 3.7 percent from the previous year’s realisation of 29,839 units.

“The increasingly even traffic distribution has become a key factor. With this pattern, the crossing flow can still be managed optimally even with high movement volumes,” said Rio.

Cumulatively for the H-10 to H+6 period, the total passengers from Sumatra to Java reached 1,148,252 people, up 2.5 percent from last year’s 1,120,046 people. Meanwhile, the total vehicles reached 278,950 units, growing 5.9 percent from 263,481 units.

For the Java to Sumatra route, 1,266,794 passengers were recorded, up 2.3 percent from 1,238,326 people, with total vehicles reaching 320,283 units, up 6.8 percent compared to 299,824 units in the same period last year.

“To maintain service smoothness, ASDP has implemented anticipatory measures including ship fleet optimisation, the Arrive–Unload–Depart (TBB) scheme, delaying system in the buffer zone, as well as discount tariff incentives and single tariff policies,” added Rio.

As part of traffic management during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period, operational restrictions on logistics vehicles were also enforced. From 23–29 March 2026, Bakauheni Port prioritised serving foot passengers and vehicles in groups I to VI A heading to Merak Port.

Meanwhile, large logistics vehicles in groups V B to IX were diverted through BBJ Muara Pilu Port to Bojonegara to reduce potential congestion on the main route. Rio said ticket sales for those logistics vehicles were temporarily halted at Bakauheni Port for departures starting from 23 March at 00:00 WIB until 29 March 2026 at 24:00 WIB.

“We urge all logistics actors to comply with the regulations set during this Lebaran Transport period. Compliance with restriction policies is key to maintaining smooth return flow and collective safety,” emphasised Rio.

Rio stated that this policy will end on Sunday (29/3/2026) at 24:00 WIB, in line with service normalisation post-peak return flow period. During that period, a single tariff policy was also enforced, functioning as a regular tariff to maintain traffic distribution balance.

“The discount incentive applies until 31 March 2026, while the single tariff until 29 March at 24:00 WIB. We urge the public to take advantage of it to avoid congestion,” said Rio.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, who directly inspected Bakauheni Port, stated that the return flow is proceeding well and under control, and appreciated the public’s discipline in following officers’ instructions.

“The government ensures all stakeholders have prepared services optimally so that the remaining traveller movements in the coming days can be served safely, comfortably, and successfully,” said Dudy.