Surge in Lebaran 2026 Return Traffic: Whoosh and Pelni Become Key Options for Commuters

Jakarta, VIVA - PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) and PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Persero) or Pelni Jakarta Branch reported passenger numbers during the 2026 Lebaran return flow.

KCIC President Director Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi noted an increase in Whoosh passenger volume of around 11.3 per cent, reaching 224,827 passengers during the 2026 Lebaran Transport period compared to the same period last year.

“During the 2026 Lebaran Transport period from H-8 to H+3 or 13-25 March, the number of passengers recorded was 224,827, an increase of about 11.3 per cent,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Dwiyana said this figure was higher than the 2025 Lebaran period, which reached 202,007 passengers. The peak occupancy during the 2026 Lebaran Transport occurred on Tuesday (24/3) with a volume of 24,315 passengers in one day.

“That figure is higher than the 2025 Lebaran Transport peak, which was recorded at 23,462 passengers, or an increase of about 3.6 per cent,” he stated. Based on this data, he assessed that the Whoosh passenger volume during this year’s Lebaran Transport shows a very positive trend.

“We also see a high demand trend that is projected to remain above 20,000 passengers per day until the weekend, and has the potential to increase again at the end of the holiday period as people return to activities,” Dwiyana said.

To date, daily passenger volume remains high and is predicted to continue above 20,000 passengers per day until the weekend.

With the ongoing increasing sales trend, KCIC ensures operational readiness remains optimal, both in terms of travel schedules, passenger services, to safety and comfort during the journey.

Meanwhile, Pelni Jakarta Branch Head Antonius Lumban Gaol recorded 3,178 travellers arriving at Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, during the return flow period of the 1447 Hijriah Idul Fitri holiday.

“The ship arriving today, KM Kelud from Belawan (North Sumatra), brought 3,178 passengers,” he said. The number of passengers arriving at Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, on Thursday surged sharply compared to the number of passengers arriving on Tuesday (24/3/2026).

On Tuesday (24/3/2026), KM Ciremai docked at Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, with 436 passengers disembarking. KM Ciremai serves the eastern Indonesia route, covering the Papua region, namely Jayapura, Serui, Biak, Manokwari, and Sorong.