Transport Minister Ensures Smooth Return Flow Across Sumatra-Java at Bakauheni Port

Transport Minister (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi inspected the return flow for Eid al-Fitr 2026 across the Sumatra-Java route during the 2026 Eid Transport period at Bakauheni Port, South Lampung, Lampung, on Friday (27/3) and Saturday (28/3). Dudy assured that the movement of people from their hometowns back to their places of work is running smoothly and safely.

“Up to today, Saturday, the Eid return flow at Bakauheni Port is going well. Thank you to all the public who, during their journeys home and back, have followed the instructions and directions of the on-site officers,” stated Dudy at Bakauheni Port on Saturday (28/3).

Based on data from the Eid Transport Post at PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry at Bakauheni Port, the cumulative realisation of passengers returning to Java from 22 March to 27 March 2026 at 14:00 WIB (H to H+5) recorded 543,440 people, or about 60% of the total 898,864 people who departed from Java during the outbound flow (H-10 to H).

Meanwhile, the total vehicles that have returned reached 144,039 units, or 60% of the total 239,920 vehicle units during the outbound period. This figure indicates that around 40% of travellers still have to return in the coming days.

Dudy stated that the Ministry of Transport, together with ASDP, the Indonesian National Police, and all related stakeholders, has prepared the operational management of the return flow at Bakauheni Port to the maximum extent possible. Thus, the Minister is confident that the remaining approximately 40% of returnees who will head back to their destinations via Bakauheni Port will be served well.

He emphasised that safety aspects are one of the priorities in organising Eid transport. Therefore, the Minister ensured that all services run safely, securely, and comfortably.

On this occasion, Transport Minister Dudy also assured the readiness of return flow services at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java. “Regarding Ketapang - Gilimanuk, we have prepared for the remaining 51% of returnees to Bali via Ketapang Port. We have prepared buffer zones, acceleration of TBB activation (arrival - unloading - departure), and additional ships, so it is hoped that this number can be cleared within these two days,” he continued.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who also inspected Bakauheni Port on Saturday (28/3), said that the peak of the 2026 Eid return flow at Bakauheni Port has been passed successfully.

“Hopefully, we can continue to maintain this so that all the public carrying out their journeys home and back can enjoy their travels and arrive at their respective homes safely,” he said. (H-3)

The movement of the 2026 Eid return flow from Sumatra to Java via Bakauheni Port is beginning to show a significant increasing trend.

Regarding a viral video showing passengers held inside the ship, Khoiri emphasised that this is a safety procedure.

The Ministry of Transport has implemented a delaying system and established buffer zones at Merak, Bakauheni, Ketapang, and Gilimanuk Ports to anticipate congestion during the 2026 Eid outbound and return flows.

In addition to the division of crossing piers, the government has also prepared a delaying system or traffic engineering aimed at slowing down vehicles entering the port.

Fadil said that his side continues to coordinate with related stakeholders to ensure the Eid return flow runs smoothly.

To ease vehicle congestion heading towards the North Coast route, the Purwakarta Police Traffic Unit has stationed officers at congestion-prone points.

According to him, the distribution of vehicles not concentrated at one time is key to maintaining smoothness at the port.

Eid 2026 return flow vehicles are still crowding the North Coast route and the Trans-Java Toll Road in Central Java. Congestion is estimated to increase until the second return peak on 29 March.

The government, together with Jasa Marga, urges travellers to schedule their return trips to avoid congestion during the 2026 Eid return peak and to take advantage of the 30% toll discount.

Jasa Marga predicts the return peak on 29 March will reach 250,000 vehicles. Travellers are urged to return earlier to enjoy the 30% toll discount.