As the festive season approaches, the surge of travelers returning to their hometowns for the annual Lebaran Idul Fitri celebrations is evident across Indonesia. On Thursday, March 27, 2025, designated as H-4 of Lebaran Idul Fitri, ASDP reported that a staggering 124,222 travelers from Java entered Sumatra through three major ports in South Lampung. This influx marks the beginning of the peak homecoming flow, with significant traffic recorded at Bakauheni, Wika Beton, and Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) ports.
According to Syamsudin, the General Manager of ASDP Indonesia Ferry Branch Bakauheni, the day registered a total of 27,824 vehicles making their way from Java to Sumatra. This number includes 8,837 pedestrians and 115,385 travelers in vehicles, facilitated by 150 ferry trips utilizing 49 ferry units. The data reflects a well-organized effort to manage the annual migration of people during this significant holiday.
Breaking down the vehicle statistics, Wika Beton Port alone saw 10,552 motorcycles crossing from Java to Sumatra. Meanwhile, Bakauheni Port recorded 14,538 cars, 792 buses, and 1,942 trucks or other large vehicles, showcasing the diverse modes of transportation utilized by travelers. Notably, there were also 47,289 travelers recorded crossing from Sumatra back to Java, consisting of 1,347 pedestrians and 45,942 travelers in vehicles.
In addition, 8,444 vehicles, including both motorcycles and cars, were documented traveling from Sumatra to Java, with Bakauheni Port reporting 631 motorcycles making the return trip. This reciprocal flow of travelers highlights the holiday's importance as families reunite and celebrate together.
As the holiday season officially kicked off on Friday, March 28, 2025, the government declared a joint holiday for Hari Raya Idulfitri. In Surabaya, the local police department, Polrestabes Surabaya, recorded an impressive total of 710,251 vehicles leaving the city between March 24 and March 27, 2025. This figure represents a significant increase of approximately 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 607,448 vehicles departing.
AKBP Herdiawan Afrianto, the Chief of Traffic at Polrestabes Surabaya, confirmed the rise in traffic, stating, "In the same period last year, the number of vehicles leaving Surabaya was 607,448. This year, we see an increase of about 17 percent." The monitoring conducted on March 27 revealed that 29,317 vehicles passed through Jalan Ahmad Yani, while 34,485 vehicles traversed Tol Gunungsari. Other major routes included 26,119 vehicles from Jalan Kedung Cowek, 34,131 from Tol Dupak, and 23,689 from Jalan Gunung Anyar, with an additional 23,562 vehicles recorded at Terminal Osowilangun.
Despite the significant increase in traffic, reports indicated that many routes in Surabaya remained manageable. Observations from suarasurabaya.net noted that major streets such as Jalan Ahmad Yani and Jalan Darmo were flowing smoothly around 1:30 PM. Setyawan, a 33-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver, commented on the lighter traffic, saying, "It seems that many people have started to go home, so Surabaya is not as busy as it usually is on regular days."
This festive season, often marked by the spirit of togetherness and family reunions, sees millions of Indonesians traveling across the archipelago. The government and transportation authorities are continuously working to ensure the safety and efficiency of travel during this busy period. With the peak of the homecoming flow now underway, both travelers and authorities are bracing for the days ahead, hoping for a smooth journey for all.
As the holiday progresses, the importance of adhering to safety protocols remains paramount. Authorities encourage travelers to remain vigilant, especially on the roads, to ensure that this joyous occasion is celebrated without incident. The collaborative efforts of transportation services, local governments, and the community play a crucial role in making this festive period a memorable one for everyone involved.
