Sea Mudik Passengers Predicted at 2.4 Million, With 69,000 Free Tickets Available
The Directorate General of Maritime Transportation (Ditjenhubla) predicts that the number of Eid holiday travellers using sea transport will reach 2.4 million people across Indonesia. This figure represents a 6.87 percent increase compared to the Eid holiday period last year.
As a form of support to the public, the government is again introducing a free ferry ticket programme offering 69,000 tickets to passengers.
Director General of Maritime Transportation Muhammad Masyhud stated that alongside the rising trend in the use of sea transport during the holiday period, his office will prioritise maritime safety.
“Maritime safety must be the main priority. Every passenger vessel to be operated must undergo comprehensive seaworthiness inspections, including safety equipment provisions and crew competence,” said Masyhud at a Readiness Alert ceremony for 2026 Eid Transport at KSOP Class II Benoa, Friday (13 March 2026).
To anticipate the surge in passengers, the Directorate General of Maritime Transportation has instructed the optimisation of the vessel fleet to be used during the mudik period.
“The adjustment of the number and schedule of the fleet must be done based on predictions of passenger surges. This includes preparing backup vessels and government vessels to support Eid transport,” he added.
In addition, the Directorate General of Maritime Transportation coordinated with the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) to warn of potential extreme weather that could disrupt maritime safety. The BMKG has urged continuous monitoring of weather forecasts.
“We must obtain weather forecast information quickly and accurately and have clear procedures in place should extreme weather potentially disrupt maritime safety,” said Masyhud.
Besides the free ticket programme, the government is also providing a 30 percent discount across all PSO class economy routes operated by PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) for more than 445,000 tickets.
“This programme is expected to ease the burden on the public whilst helping to distribute the flow of holiday travellers evenly during the Eid transport period,” concluded Masyhud.