BAKAUHENI (ISL News, March 26, 2026) – The Eid al-Fitr return flow from Sumatra to Java has entered a crucial phase. After initially plateauing, traffic has now picked up again, with the potential for a significant surge in the coming days.
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) noted that approximately 49 percent of travelers have returned to Java to date, so traffic pressure is predicted to continue to increase, especially during the second peak return flow on March 28–29, 2026.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo described this situation as a consolidation phase leading up to the peak of the return flow, where previously scattered movements are now starting to reconcentrate.
"The return flow did not occur simultaneously, but increased gradually. After initially easing, traffic has now picked up again and is projected to peak soon. Therefore, we are ensuring that all operational readiness is at an optimal level, while also urging the public to avoid the peak period, which is expected to be Saturday (March 28) and Sunday (March 29)," said Heru.
Based on operational data, the total number of passengers returning to Java from March 22 to March 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM WIB (D-4) reached 444,223, or approximately 49 percent of the total 898,864 passengers during the homecoming period. Meanwhile, the total number of vehicles returning was 118,297, or 49 percent of the total 239,920 vehicles during the homecoming period.
With approximately 51 percent of service users still yet to return, the potential for a surge in traffic in the near future is a major concern. To anticipate this, ASDP is strengthening its adaptive operating patterns, including implementing an Arrival-Unloading-Departure (TBB) scheme to speed up ship turnarounds when congestion increases.
Traffic control is also strengthened through delaying and diversion systems in several strategic buffer zones. In Merak, this is implemented through rest areas at KM 43 and KM 68, as well as the South Ring Road (JLS). Meanwhile, in Bakauheni, buffer zones include rest areas at KM 49B and KM 20B, the Gayam Terminal, and the Gunung Jati Restaurant, to ensure controlled traffic flow and prevent congestion at the port.
Buy Tickets via Ferizy in Advance
ASDP Corporate Secretary, Windy Andale, added that the tariff incentive was also introduced to encourage more equitable travel distribution. A 100 percent discount on port service fees—equivalent to approximately 21.9 percent of total ferry fares—was implemented on seven routes and 14 ports from March 12–31, 2026.
This policy applies to pedestrians and regular Class II and IVA vehicles, as well as express service Class II vehicles. Furthermore, a single fare in Bakauheni will be in effect from March 23 to March 29, 2026, for Class I to VIA vehicles.
"For a smoother journey, the public is advised to purchase tickets in advance through Ferizy, which is available up to 60 days in advance, avoid ticket scalpers, and arrive at the scheduled departure time," said Windy.
Ferry performance also reflects the increasing traffic pressure. According to data from the Bakauheni Post as of March 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time), total passengers from Sumatra to Java reached 878,773, a 15.3 percent increase compared to last year, with a total of 208,688 vehicles, a 21.8 percent increase.
Meanwhile, from Java to Sumatra, 1,121,851 passengers were recorded, an increase of 2.9 percent, with a total of 289,623 vehicles, a growth of 6.5 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
With an adaptive operational strategy and strengthened coordination across stakeholders, ASDP ensures that the surge in return traffic can be managed in a measurable manner. The primary focus remains on maintaining a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey for all service users amidst the increased traffic leading up to the peak return flow.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom ASDP).
