BAKAUHENI (ISL News, March 29, 2026) – As many as 79% of travelers (Pemudik Lebarn Iedfusl Fitroi 1447 Hijriah) from Sumatra have returned to Java until D+6 of Eid 2026. Data recorded that 713,702 passengers had crossed from a total of 898,864 during the homecoming flow, while the vehicles that returned reached 188,559 units or 79% of the total 239,920 units.
This achievement shows that the return flow is more evenly distributed, thus reducing potential congestion during peak periods and maintaining smooth crossing services.
Based on 24-hour data from the Bakauheni Post on March 28, 2026 (12:00 AM–11:59 PM WIB), 111,589 passengers crossed from Sumatra to Java, an 11% decrease compared to 125,406 people last year. Meanwhile, total vehicles reached 29,893 units, a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year's 29,839 units.
ASDP's Director of Operations and Transformation, Rio Lasse, emphasized that operational conditions remain under control even though the return flow is at its peak.
"More even traffic distribution is a key factor. With this pattern, crossing flows can still be optimally managed despite high traffic volumes," he said.
Cumulatively, from D-10 to D+6, the total number of passengers from Sumatra to Java reached 1,148,252, a 2.5% increase from 1,120,046 last year. Meanwhile, the total number of vehicles reached 278,950, a 5.9% increase from 263,481.
For the Java to Sumatra route, 1,266,794 passengers were recorded, an increase of 2.3% from 1,238,326 people, with a total of 320,283 vehicles, an increase of 6.8% compared to 299,824 units in the same period the previous year.
Anticipatory
In order to maintain smooth service, ASDP has implemented anticipatory measures in the form of optimizing the ship fleet, the Arrival-Unloading-Departure (TBB) scheme, a delaying system in the buffer zone, as well as the implementation of tariff discount stimuli and a single tariff policy.
As part of traffic management during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period, operational restrictions on logistics vehicles will also be implemented. From March 23–29, 2026, Bakauheni Port will prioritize serving pedestrians and class I to VIA vehicles heading to Merak Port.
Meanwhile, large logistics vehicles from classes VB to IX were diverted through BBJ Muara Pilu Port to Bojonegara to reduce potential congestion on the main route. Ticket sales for these logistics vehicles were also temporarily suspended at Bakauheni Port for departures from 12:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on March 23 to 24:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on March 29, 2026.
"We urge all logistics operators to comply with the established regulations during the Eid al-Fitr transportation period. Compliance with restrictions is key to ensuring smooth return traffic and everyone's safety," Rio Lasse emphasized.
This policy will end on Sunday (March 29) at midnight WIB, in line with the normalization of services after the peak return flow period. During this period, a single tariff policy will also be in effect, functioning as a regular tariff to maintain balanced traffic distribution.
"The discount stimulus is valid until March 31, 2026, while the single rate is valid until March 29, 24:00 WIB. We urge the public to take advantage of this to avoid congestion," Rio added.
Appreciation of Discipline
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, who inspected Bakauheni Port in person, stated that the return flow was running smoothly and under control, and appreciated the public's discipline in following the officers' instructions.
The government ensures that all stakeholders have prepared optimal services, so that the remaining movement of travelers in the next few days can be served safely, comfortably, and securely.
ASDP urges the public to plan their trips early, make ticket reservations through Ferizy, and follow the instructions of officers to ensure a smooth return flow.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom ASDP).
