Transport Minister Predicts 144 Million Travellers for Lebaran 2026 Exodus
Surabaya, VIVA – Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has predicted that approximately 144 million people will undertake homecoming journeys during Lebaran 2026 (Idul Fitri 1447 H), based on a national survey, with the potential for traveller numbers to exceed last year’s figures.
“We conducted a survey indicating 143.7 million people, or nearly 144 million, will be travelling. However, we are anticipating a possible increase, as last year’s survey projected 146 million but the actual figure reached 154 million,” Dudy said following a coordination meeting on Lebaran transport preparations at Gedung Negara Grahadi in Surabaya, East Java, on Friday.
He explained that the Lebaran transport command post will operate from 13 to 29 March 2026, coordinating all modes of transport including road, sea, air and rail.
According to the minister, a number of anticipatory measures have been prepared, including operational restrictions on freight vehicles with three or more axles, with exceptions for vehicles carrying essential goods, fuel and other critical supplies, in accordance with a Joint Ministerial Decree.
In addition, the Ministry of Transport together with the National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) will implement traffic engineering measures including contraflow systems, one-way traffic flow and odd-even number plate restrictions on toll road sections prone to congestion.
Regarding the Nyepi celebrations in Bali on 19 March 2026, Dudy said ferry crossings to the island would be temporarily suspended, with a delaying system and buffer zone to be put in place.
“We will inform the public about the temporary closure of ports so they can adjust their travel schedules,” he said.
The government is also implementing a Work From Anywhere (WFA) or Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA) policy on 16–17 March for the homebound flow and 25–26 March for the return flow, which has been approved by the President and the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (Kementerian PANRB).
“This policy is expected to distribute public movement so it does not concentrate on specific dates, thereby better ensuring travel safety and smooth traffic flow,” he said.
Meanwhile, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said the provincial government is working in synergy with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to ensure the Lebaran transport operation runs safely and smoothly.
“We are building the most detailed coordination possible to ensure Lebaran transport by road, sea, air, rail and toll roads proceeds safely, smoothly, securely and joyfully,” Khofifah said.