Surge in Homebound Travellers: 13,000 People Cross via Ciwandan Port on H-4 Eid

A total of 13,643 homebound travellers were recorded crossing to Sumatra through Ciwandan Port on H-4 Eid or Tuesday (17 March). This figure represents the highest daily passenger count in recent days. Meanwhile, the total number of motorcycles passing through Ciwandan Port on the same day reached 8,076 units.

Based on observations at Ciwandan Port from 19:00 to 23:00 WIB, the homebound travellers arrived in stages. The flow of arrivals increased towards early morning.

Motorcycles that had passed ticket inspections were directed to the waiting area before boarding the vessel. There were 12 waiting area lanes equipped with tents to accommodate the homebound travellers.

In that area, travellers waited for their turn to board the vessel with an average waiting time of approximately 30 minutes, depending on lane congestion.

One traveller, Arif (31), admitted he deliberately crossed towards early morning so he could rest during the sea journey. He would continue his journey to Mesuji, Lampung.

“I can sleep on the ship first. Then travel there after dawn prayers, so I don’t drive at night,” said Arif.

From field observations, congestion at Ciwandan Port on this day was higher compared to Monday (16 March).

ASDP Indonesia Ferry’s Managing Director, Heru Widodo, previously predicted the peak homebound traffic for Eid 2026 at Merak and Ciwandan Ports, Banten, would occur on 18 to 19 March.

“Our prediction is that the peak homebound traffic will occur on 18 and 19 March,” said Heru at the KM 43 Rest Area on the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road, Sunday (15 March).