Surge in Homecoming Travel Managed Effectively by Ferry Services

JAKARTA — The surge in public mobility during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming and return flows was effectively managed, despite significant increases in the number of passengers and vehicles across various national ferry routes. This year’s homecoming period recorded higher movement intensity compared to the previous year, reflecting a recovery in public mobility alongside pressure on the national transportation system. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero)’s President Director, Heru Widodo, emphasised that operational readiness was the key factor in ensuring service smoothness. “The achievement of smooth services and more even traffic distribution, even at peak times, is the result of comprehensive operational preparations designed well before the Eid transport period began,” Heru stated in a press release on Tuesday (31/3/2026). “Optimisation of the fleet, supported by strengthened digitalisation of services, is the main key to maintaining reliable crossing performance,” he added. The total number of vehicles recorded was 1,215,273 units, an 8% increase from 1,125,178 units in the same period the previous year. Major routes such as Merak–Bakauheni, Ketapang–Gilimanuk, and Padangbai–Lembar remained vital nodes of national movement with high mobility during the Eid period. Additionally, the buffer zone system and digitalisation of services through Ferizy helped alleviate queues and distribute trips more evenly. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stressed the importance of cross-sector coordination in maintaining smooth homecoming flows. “This year’s Eid transport implementation is a major collective effort involving intensive cross-sector coordination,” Dudy said. He continued, “This collaboration is the key to ensuring the public can undertake homecoming and return travel safely, securely, and smoothly.”