Surge in Travellers from Java to Sumatra Continues, ASDP Strengthens Ferry Services
Jakarta – Public mobility across various regions of Indonesia is increasing ahead of Eid celebrations. The movement of homebound travellers crossing from Java to Sumatra via the Merak–Bakauheni route is beginning to show significant growth.
Heru Widodo, Chief Executive of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), has ensured the readiness of ferry services to enable public travel to proceed smoothly, safely, and comfortably. The company has undertaken various anticipatory measures from an early stage to manage the surge in public mobility during the Eid transport period.
“We continue to make various preparations ranging from operational strengthening to optimisation of port facilities to ensure public travel proceeds in an orderly and smooth manner,” said Heru in a statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
He explained that in support of operational smoothness during the Eid transport period, the number of operational vessels has been adjusted according to traffic congestion levels, ranging from 28 to 33 ships per 24 hours ready to serve passengers. Additionally, the company will implement an Arrival–Discharge–Departure (ADD) operational pattern to expedite the service process at the port, enabling more efficient vessel movement and accommodating high passenger and vehicle mobility.
This readiness is further strengthened through enhancements to various port facilities, including 24-hour customer service, the addition of Garbarata Express II ferries on the Merak–Bakauheni route, installation of portable toilets, and strengthening of lighting and electrical systems in port areas. Furthermore, ASDP has introduced electric shuttle buses at Merak and Bakauheni ports to facilitate user mobility, particularly for vulnerable groups such as elderly and disabled passengers.
Meanwhile, ASDP’s Corporate Secretary, Windy Andale, added that the company is also coordinating with various stakeholders to strengthen transport connectivity to the port. From 13–16 March, 20 units of free public transport have been provided serving several connecting routes: Cilegon Station–Kerenceng Station (2 units), Kerenceng Station–Merak Station (1 unit), Cilegon Station–Merak Station (9 units), Merak Station–Cilegon Station (7 units), and Merak Station–Kerenceng Station (1 unit).
The fleet distribution is adjusted to passenger movement arriving progressively from rail services. ASDP, together with transport partners and stakeholders in the field, continues to coordinate to ensure the availability of connecting vehicles is optimised, particularly during train arrival times with higher passenger volumes. Going forward, operational monitoring will be further strengthened to ensure passenger mobility from Cilegon Station to Merak Port proceeds more smoothly, safely, and comfortably during the Eid transport period.