Minister checks Bakauheni Port's readiness for homecoming return flow

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has ensured the smooth functioning of Bakauheni Port in Lampung during the return flow of the Eid al-Fitr homecoming this year.

"I am here to ensure the preparation made at Bakauheni Port," he stated on the sidelines of reviewing the preparation for the Eid homecoming return flow at Bakauheni Port, Lampung, as noted in a statement on Tuesday.

His visit on Monday aimed to evaluate preparations in facing the return flow, such as port management in delaying systems and flow arrangements.

Additional measures, such as clustering, a delaying system, and buffer zones, were also implemented ahead of the Eid return flow.

Parking zones with a delaying system were arranged to minimize passenger waiting times at the port.

"We have prepared all the technical steps to provide services to the community," Purwagandhi remarked.

He also assured that there are adequate ships and ports to accommodate homecoming travelers.

"There are 67 ships, with 40 of them allocated for Eid transportation. We will operate three ports in Lampung, namely Wika Beton, Bandar Bakau Jaya, and Bakauheni," he remarked.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry data shows 225,400 vehicles crossed from Java to Sumatra from D-10 to D-Day of Eid, or March 21-31, 2025.

This figure decreased slightly by 0.1 percent compared to 225,637 vehicles in 2024. Meanwhile, passenger numbers rose by three percent, reaching 885,828 this year, compared to 859,521 in the previous year.

Purwagandhi expressed hope that the Eid homecoming return flow from Bakauheni Port to Merak Port would proceed smoothly, similar to the outbound flow from Merak Port to Bakauheni Port.

He highlighted that Merak Port had effectively managed the homecoming flow, ensuring smooth homecoming transportation and crossings.

The return flow is expected to peak on D+5, or April 6, 2025, with an estimated 31.49 million travelers on that day.

A survey conducted in collaboration with Litbang Kompas revealed that 146.48 million people, equivalent to 52 percent of Indonesia's population, are expected to travel during this year's Eid holiday period.