JAKARTA - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) is aware of the movement of travelers from Sumatra to Java which has strengthened again after it had subsided at the beginning of the period. In fact, it has the potential to experience a significant spike ahead of the second peak of the return flow on March 28-29, 2026.
ASDP President Director, Heru Widodo, said this condition is a consolidation phase leading to the peak of the reverse flow, where the movement that had been scattered is now beginning to concentrate again.
"The reverse flow does not occur simultaneously, but increases gradually. After a slight decline, the movement is now strengthening again and is projected to reach its peak in the near future. Therefore, we ensure that all operational readiness is at the optimal level, while urging the public to avoid the peak period which is estimated to be on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29," said Heru in an official statement, Friday, March 27.
Based on operational data for the period from March 22 to 26, 2026 until 14.00 WIB (H to H+4), the total number of passengers who have returned to Java reached 444,223 people or about 49 percent of the total number of travelers during the homecoming flow of 898,864 people. Meanwhile, the total number of vehicles that have returned has been recorded as 118,297 units or equivalent to 49 percent of the total number of vehicles during the homecoming of 239,920 units.
With about 51 percent of travelers still not returning, the potential for a spike in the near future is a major concern. To anticipate this, ASDP strengthened the adaptive operating pattern, including the implementation of the Tiba-Bongkar-Berangkat (TBB) scheme to accelerate the rotation of ships when density increases.
Vehicle flow control is also strengthened through the delaying system and diversion of traffic in a number of strategic buffer zones. In Merak, arrangements are made through the KM 43 Rest Area, KM 68, and the South Ring Road (JLS).
Meanwhile, in Bakauheni, the buffer point includes the KM 49B Rest Area, KM 20B, Gayam Terminal, and RM Gunung Jati to ensure that the distribution of vehicles remains under control and does not accumulate at the port.
Meanwhile, ASDP Corporate Secretary, Windy Andale, said that various stimuli were also given to encourage a more even distribution of travel.
"For a smoother journey, the public is urged to buy tickets early through Ferizy which is available until H-60, avoid scalpers, and arrive according to the departure schedule," he said.
ASDP also provides a 100 percent discount on port service rates or about 21.9 percent of the total crossing rates applicable at seven lanes and 14 ports during the period of 12-31 March 2026. In addition, the application of a single tariff in Bakauheni was implemented on 23-29 March 2026 for vehicles of Group I to VIA.
The performance of the crossing shows an increasing trend in traffic. Based on data from the Bakauheni Post until March 26, 2026 at 14.00 WIB, the total passengers from Sumatra to Java reached 878,773 people or increased by 15.3 percent compared to last year, with a total of 208,688 vehicles or increased by 21.8 percent.
Meanwhile, from Java to Sumatra, 1,121,851 passengers were recorded or increased by 2.9 percent, with a total of 289,623 units or grew by 6.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
With an adaptive operational strategy and strengthening coordination across stakeholders, ASDP ensures that the surge in return flows can be managed in a measurable manner. The main focus remains on the smoothness, safety, and comfort of people's travel amid the increase in traffic to the peak of the 2026 Lebaran return flow.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
