647 Thousand Passengers Cross Sumatra-Java during Nataru, Reverse Current Still Under Control
JAKARTA - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) recorded the movement of people returning from Sumatra Island to Java Island during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 (Nataru) period was observed to be relatively stable and under control.
It is recorded that since H-10 on December 15, 2025 to H+9 on January 3, 2026, a total of 647,898 people and 161,695 vehicles have crossed from Sumatra to Java.
This achievement reflects the dynamics of the late-year reversal that has been consistent, although it does not show a significant spike as in the previous period.
ASDP Finance Director, Bunga Herlina Oktaviyanti, explained the characteristics of this year's Nataru holiday are different from previous years. The proximity of the distance between the Nataru and Ramadan periods is one of the factors that influence people's decisions to travel.
"The number of service users in this period is relatively not too significant. In addition to the distance of the holiday which is adjacent to Ramadan and the school holidays in the fasting month, people also consider the extreme weather factor, so some choose to postpone travel and focus on Lebaran homecoming," he said in a statement. official, Sunday, January 4.
Cumulatively, the number of passengers crossing from Sumatra to Java through Bakauheni Port in the period H-10 to H+9 was recorded to have increased by 1 percent compared to the same period last year, from 641,521 people to 647,898 people.
Meanwhile, the total number of vehicles crossing the border increased by 4.2 percent, from 155,148 units to 161,695 units. The increase shows that community mobility and logistics activities are still running, although at a more measured pace.
General Manager of ASDP Bakauheni Branch, Partogi Tambabilang, external factors also affect the pattern of people's travel during the Nataru period.
"The occurrence of disasters in several areas of Sumatra is also a consideration for the public in determining the time of travel, so that movement becomes more selective," he explained.
In line with the proximity of the Nataru and Ramadhan periods, ASDP has prepared various steps to strengthen services to ensure the smooth crossing.
"Operationally, we are always ready, even on weekdays. However, leading up to Eid, strengthening is carried out through ramp checks, ensuring the readiness of the fleet and port facilities, adding trips, and optimizing alternative ports," continued Partogi.
ASDP together with stakeholders continues to ensure the aspects of safety, security, and comfort of service users from departure to arrival at the destination. This Nataru period is also an important evaluation material to improve the quality of service on Lebaran Transportation 2026.
Entering H+9 or Saturday, January 3, the intensity of the reverse flow from Sumatra to Java began to strengthen. Based on data from the Bakauheni Post for 24 hours (00.00-23.59 WIB), 106 ship trips were recorded operating to serve the crossing.
The total number of passengers crossing through Bakauheni Port, Wika Beton, and BBJ Muara Pilu reached 40,131 people, or an increase of 11.5 percent compared to the same period last year of 35,991 people.
The increase also occurred in all vehicle categories, with two-wheeled vehicles reaching 2,188 units or an increase of 41.1 percent, four-wheeled vehicles 4,316 units or an increase of 8.3 percent, trucks 2,896 units or an increase of 1.1 percent, and buses 451 units or an increase of 25.6 percent.
Overall, the total vehicles crossing on H+9 were recorded at 9,851 units, up 12.4 percent compared to last year's realization.
"This data confirms that although the backflow has increased, the crossing service is still running safely, smoothly, and under control," he said.