Transport Minister Strengthens Java-Sumatra Crossing Services Ahead of Lebaran Peak
All trucks have entered the port area and are awaiting their turn to board vessels. In essence, there is no vehicle congestion outside the port.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has strengthened Java-Sumatra crossing services ahead of the Lebaran 2026 peak migration period on 16 and 18 March to ensure smooth public mobility during the Hijri year 1447 transport season.
Dudy stated that he had inspected three ports in the Banten region, namely PT Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) Bojonegara Port, Ciwandan Port, and Merak Port, from Sunday evening (15 March) through Monday early morning (16 March).
“We want to ensure the smooth management of Java-Sumatra crossing operations, both for cargo and passenger vehicles at these three ports,” the Transport Minister said in Jakarta on Monday.
He reported that BBJ Bojonegara Port conditions on Sunday evening appeared busy and flowing smoothly, with the overall port situation appearing safe and under control.
The minister noted that 12 vessels are operating at BBJ Bojonegara Port. According to him, this number remains sufficient to transport logistics vehicles heading to Sumatra.
He explained that the Transport Ministry, together with relevant stakeholders, has prepared mitigation measures in case there is a significant increase in cargo vehicles at BBJ Bojonegara Port.
He disclosed that vehicles would be directed towards buffer zones at kilometre markers 43 and 68 until port conditions normalise. Additional mitigation has included parking areas in the PT BAM region capable of accommodating up to 4,000 vehicles.
“Although Merak Port appears relatively quiet, logistics vehicles in categories 7, 8, and 9 heading to Sumatra will still pass through BBJ Bojonegara Port. We must remain consistent with the agreements that have been made,” the minister stated.
At Ciwandan and Merak Ports, the minister observed busy yet smooth conditions during his inspection. At these two ports, migrants using motorcycles and cars only queue to board vessels with no congestion occurring outside the port area.
Based on data compiled by PT ASDP, Dudy continued, passenger arrivals crossing from Java to Sumatra on H-6 Lebaran reached 48,286 persons, whilst two-wheeled vehicles crossing during the same period totalled 4,446 units.
The minister revealed that service provision by operators and field personnel to migrants has thus far been satisfactory and measured. Nevertheless, he promised to conduct a comprehensive evaluation should any services fall short of optimal standards.
He added that facilities at Ciwandan and Merak Ports are already adequate for serving migrants. Various facilities have been provided, ranging from rest areas, children’s play spaces, health posts, workshops, to UMKM (micro, small and medium enterprise) food stalls available at all times.
He also urged all relevant stakeholders to continue coordinating to ensure the management of Lebaran outbound and return traffic at BBJ Bojonegara, Ciwandan, and Merak Ports proceeds smoothly according to operational plans.
“Should adverse weather occur, such as high waves, the port authority (KSOP) must immediately inform field personnel. This way, officers can implement mitigation measures to prevent vehicle congestion heading to the ports,” Dudy said.