Transport Minister reinforces Lebaran transport readiness across modes in Gorontalo
Jakarta - Indonesia’s Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has strengthened preparations for multimodal Lebaran transport in Gorontalo Province in 2026, recognising its crucial role despite lower movement volumes compared to Java and Sumatra.
Purwagandhi indicated that population movement from Gorontalo is predicted to reach 870,000 people during the 2026 Lebaran transport season, significantly impacting mobility across the Sulawesi region.
“The contribution of population movement from Gorontalo Province during the 2026 Lebaran transport season must not be underestimated,” the Transport Minister stated in Jakarta on Saturday.
The dominance of air and sea transport use in Gorontalo received special attention in preparations for the return migration period. Transport hubs such as Djalaluddin Airport have been identified as strategic points where operational readiness must be assured.
Additionally, several ferry terminals in the region play an important role in maintaining inter-regional connectivity.
Consequently, the minister emphasised that coordination between the Transport Ministry and Gorontalo Provincial Government is vital to ensure service continuity.
The Transport Minister confirmed he had met Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail on Friday (27 February) to prepare for the 2026 Lebaran transport operations in the province.
During the meeting, the minister requested readiness of Gorontalo’s land routes to anticipate vehicle surges during the 2026 Lebaran exodus and return period.
He noted that Gorontalo serves as the primary connector of the land route between North Sulawesi and various other areas on Sulawesi Island. Traffic volume increases are predicted ahead of Eid 2026, making optimal infrastructure preparation essential.
The Transport Minister highlighted the importance of road lighting, traffic signs, and repairs to potholes for user safety. He also requested measures to anticipate congestion on arterial routes due to market activities, tourist sites, and community activities.
He further emphasised that readiness of combined personnel is crucial for managing vehicle flow at congestion-prone points. Oversight of two-wheeled vehicles also received attention given their dominance in medium-distance travel.
Additionally, the minister stressed the importance of ferry terminal readiness in Gorontalo as the key to smooth Lebaran transport operations. Three main transit routes through the region were assessed as strategically important in supporting inter-regional connectivity in Sulawesi.
The three main ferry terminal routes through Gorontalo Province are Gorontalo-Pagimana, Gorontalo-Ampana, and Gorontalo (Marisa)-Ampana.
Discussions also covered air transport readiness, with nine pioneer flight routes connecting Gorontalo with surrounding areas such as North Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi.
Consequently, he requested all relevant stakeholders to pay attention to various aspects, from flight safety and schedule certainty to weather contingencies.
The Transport Minister also gave special attention to private vehicle users, particularly two-wheeler riders who will transit arterial routes during the Lebaran holiday.
Working with the Religious Affairs Ministry, the Transport Ministry is promoting optimisation of mosques as temporary rest area facilities through the “Mosque for Return Migrants” programme.
“Approximately 173 mosques in Gorontalo Province can be utilised as supporting rest areas. With these facilities available, we hope returning migrants can rest temporarily before continuing their journey,” the Transport Minister explained.