2025 Eid Homecoming, Discounts on Ship Rates to Vehicle Arrangements at Merak Port

BANDAR LAMPUNG, KOMPAS - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) will implement a single-price or regular tariff policy for express ferry services at Merak Port, Banten, during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period, starting Wednesday (26/3/2025) at 12:00 PM WIB until Sunday (30/3/2025) at 8:00 PM WIB. This policy is designed to ease the burden on the community and encourage the movement of travelers during the Eid al-Fitr 1446 H holiday period.

President Director of ASDP, Heru Widodo, stated that the implementation of regular fares for this express service aligns with the joint decree regulating fare policies during the homecoming season on the Merak–Bakauheni route. This measure is expected to enhance accessibility for travelers journeying from Java to Sumatra, making it easier and more affordable.

"During that period, all passenger vehicles will enjoy a fare discount of up to 36 percent," said Heru in an official statement received by Kompas on Friday (14/3/2025).

The implementation of a single-price tariff applies to all categories served at Merak Port during that period (Pedestrians, Category IVA, Category IVB, Category VA, Category VIA). Thus, both pedestrian passengers and those using vehicles can enjoy a tariff discount ranging from 21-36 percent.

As for service users who have made express service reservations during that period, a refund will be provided in the form of the price difference of the tickets that have been paid.

During the period of single-price tariff implementation, express ticket options at Merak Port were eliminated. Service users are unable to choose the vessel to be used. Officials will manage operations to distribute vehicles and pedestrians across all docks. ASDP has also coordinated with all stakeholders to ensure operational readiness at various alternative ports, such as Ciwandan, Bojonegara, and Indah Kiat.

During this period, all passenger vehicles will enjoy a fare discount of up to 36 percent.

Nationally, the number of ship passengers traveling for the Eid homecoming in Indonesia reaches 4.56 million people, with a total of 1.13 million vehicles. This figure represents an increase of approximately 10 percent compared to last year's realization. Merak Port is the busiest.

ASDP Corporate Secretary Shelvy Arifin emphasized the importance of travel planning for travelers to avoid long queues. From the results of ASDP's analysis on last year's homecoming, around 82 percent of service users did not check in according to schedule. The majority or around 85-90 percent also still bought tickets close to the departure time.

"This will certainly impact congestion at the port. Therefore, we urge the public to purchase tickets well in advance and adhere to the departure schedule listed," he said.

Therefore, ASDP appeals to the public to buy tickets online through the Ferizy application or website. Ship tickets can be ordered from D-60 to D-1 before departure so that service users can be more planned on their journey.

On Thursday (13/3/2025), Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian also reviewed Merak Port, Banten and Bakauheni Port, Lampung, to ensure the smooth flow of crossings through the Sunda Strait Port.

On that occasion, Dudy explained, Merak Port will be focused on transporting private cars and buses during the Lebaran homecoming period. This is done to break up the buildup of vehicles, especially during the peak of the homecoming flow.

Meanwhile, two-wheeled vehicles and goods transport will be diverted to Pelindo Ciwandan Port, Banten. Meanwhile, large trucks will be directed to cross to Sumatra via Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) Port, Bojonegara.

Similarly in Lampung, Bakauheni Port will be focused on transporting private cars and buses. Meanwhile, trucks will be directed through Bandar Bakau Jaya Port, Bakauheni and two-wheeled vehicles through Wika Beton Port. In addition, Panjang Port, Bandar Lampung, is also prepared to serve travelers when there is congestion.

Tito emphasized that the work from anywhere (WFA) policy that applies to state civil servants and BUMN employees from March 24, 2025 to April 7, 2025 should not disrupt public services. Therefore, agency leaders need to organize a rotating staff work system so that services to the public continue to run.

Currently, the government has also synchronized the school holiday schedule earlier, namely on March 21, 2025. That way, people are expected to be able to return home earlier to avoid congestion during the peak homecoming flow.