JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi has strengthened coordination and synergy with the South Sumatra Provincial Government (Sumsel) to prepare for the implementation of the 2026 Lebaran Transportation.
This is also done to anticipate a surge in travelers.
Dudy said that strengthening coordination and strategic partnerships between the Ministry of Transportation and the South Sumatra Provincial Government were the determining factors in ensuring that the 2026 Lebaran Transportation was safe, orderly, smooth, and safe.
"This step is also important to increase readiness in facing the surge in community mobility," said Dudy in an official statement, Wednesday, February 25.
Dudy explained that the contribution of community movement from the South Sumatra region during the Lebaran Transportation was estimated to reach 3.87 million people, while the movement towards South Sumatra was predicted to reach 3.85 million people.
"South Sumatra has a strategic position as the main node for community movement in the central corridor of the island of Sumatra. The flow in and out of this area is projected to increase from Lampung and Jambi, both through the Trans Sumatra Toll Road, national cross-roads, air transport, trains, to crossings to Palembang and its surroundings," said Dudy.
In terms of mode of choice, continued Dudy, private cars are expected to remain the main option for travelers with a national figure of 76.24 million people.
Meanwhile, in the Trans Sumatra corridor outside the toll, the number of private vehicles is projected to reach 7.85 million vehicles, potentially increasing traffic density on arterial roads and inter-regional connections.
According to Dudy, the concentration of vehicle traffic will focus on the East Cross Road (Lampung-Palembang-Jambi) and the Central Cross Road through Baturaja-Lahat-Lubuk Linggau.
"It is necessary to strengthen optimal traffic management, increase safety supervision, and the readiness of facilities and infrastructure in each strategic corridor," he said.
Free Homecoming and Truck Restrictions
Dudy said the Ministry of Transportation also prepared a Free Homecoming Program to reduce the use of private vehicles.
This year, there are 401 bus units with a capacity of 15,834 passengers to 34 destination cities, including Palembang.
Meanwhile, the Alang-alang Lebar Terminal is the point of arrival for free homecoming and return flow departures in South Sumatra.
For sea transportation, there is a quota of 66,082 economic passengers serving 121 routes, including the Muntok-Palembang route in the period from March 11 to April 5, 2026.
"It needs the support of the South Sumatra Provincial Government in providing easy access to terminals and ports, including feeder transport services at free homecoming nodes," said Dudy.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Transportation together with the Ministry of Public Works and the National Police has issued a SKB limiting the operational capacity of three-axle or more trucks during the 2026 Lebaran Transportation period.
The Minister of Transportation appealed that there should be no freight operations with excess load and dimensions in order to maintain safety.
Dudy also asked the South Sumatra Provincial Government to anticipate the potential for congestion due to overflowing markets, traditional markets, and a surge in visitors to tourist sites.
In addition, special attention is given to disaster-prone points such as floods, landslides, and rob.
"Coordination and preparation of integrated traffic flow management is needed to anticipate congestion due to overflowing markets and a surge in visitors. We also support the implementation of Weather Modification Operations if necessary," he explained.
During the meeting with the South Sumatra Provincial Government, Dudy also highlighted the existence of 196 land crossings in South Sumatra.
Currently, 138 guards have been added to increase safety supervision.
Attention is also given to two-wheeled travelers who cross arterial roads. Together with the Ministry of Religion, the Ministry of Transportation encourages the optimization of the "Traveler Friendly Mosque" program.
"There are about 381 mosques and a number of UPPKB or weighing bridges in the South Sumatra region that can be used as supporting rest areas. With these facilities, we hope that travelers can rest before continuing their journey," said Dudy.
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