Second Peak of Return Flow Bakauheni-Merak, Contraflow Prepared

Banten Regional Police are preparing traffic engineering in the form of contraflow around the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road section during the peak of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H return flow. The second return flow peak is predicted to occur on 28-29 March 2026. Police personnel will also be stationed at several intersections prone to causing long traffic jams. “We have also coordinated with the toll road operator to implement contraflow if necessary, and prepare mobile riders to disperse vehicle build-ups entering or exiting toll gates,” said the Head of Public Relations of Banten Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Pol Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, on Thursday (26/3). Based on the latest data from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, there are still 121,623 vehicles that have not yet returned across from Sumatra to Java Island. For passengers, it is predicted that 454,641 people remain. Overall, 51% of returnees have not yet crossed from Bakauheni to Merak Port. “The return flow does not occur simultaneously but increases gradually. After a period of lull, movements are now strengthening again and projected to peak soon,” said the President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, Heru Widodo. With about 51% of service users yet to return, the potential for a surge in the near term is the main concern. To anticipate this, ASDP is strengthening the Tiba-Bongkar-Berangkat (TBB) operational scheme to speed up ship turnarounds during high density. Vehicle flow control is also strengthened through delaying systems and flow diversions at several strategic buffer zones. In Merak, arrangements are made via Rest Area KM 43, KM 68, and the South Ring Road (JLS). Meanwhile, in Bakauheni, support points include Rest Area KM 49B, KM 20B, Gayam Terminal, and RM Gunung Jati, to ensure vehicle distribution remains controlled and does not pile up at the port. “Therefore, we ensure all operational readiness is at optimal level, while urging the public to avoid the peak period estimated on Saturday and Sunday,” he explained.