Merak Port Sees Slow Traffic Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Ferry Operators Call for Flexible Regulations

CILEGON, Indonesia – The Association of River, Lake and Ferry Transport Entrepreneurs (Gapasdap) has reported unusually low traffic volume at Merak Port in the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr 2026, attributing the slowdown to transport regulations outlined in a Joint Decree (SKB). Despite the approach of the peak homecoming period, the port is experiencing a lack of the typical vehicle queues.

Gapasdap Reports Quiet Conditions at Merak Port

According to Khoiri Soetomo, Chairman of the DPP Gapsdap, as of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Merak Port had not seen the usual build-up of vehicles expected three days before Eid. “We can see it until this afternoon, even though today is H-3 which is usually the peak and there are always queues,” Soetomo stated. Kompas.com

Adequate Infrastructure Underutilized

Soetomo highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that Merak Port possesses substantial infrastructure, including seven pairs of docks and 71 roll-on/roll-off (roro) ships with a minimum capacity of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). He expressed concern that this significant capacity is being underutilized. Kompas.com

Traffic Diverted to Supporting Ports

The current conditions at Merak contrast sharply with the congestion observed at the supporting ports of Ciwandan and Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ). Gapasdap attributes this disparity to the rigid implementation of the SKB, which directs specific vehicle types to designated ports: private cars and buses to Merak, motorcycles to Ciwandan, and large vehicles to BBJ. Viva.co.id

Calls for SKB Flexibility

Gapasdap has communicated with the Minister of Transportation, requesting a more dynamic and situational approach to implementing the SKB. The association hopes that authorities will be able to redirect traffic back to Merak if the supporting ports turn into overly congested. Viva.co.id

Concerns for Travelers and Truck Drivers

Soetomo emphasized not only the operational losses experienced by ship operators but also the humanitarian impact on truck drivers and motorcyclists who are forced to travel longer distances to reach the supporting ports. He expressed concern about the discomfort and difficulties faced by these travelers. Viva.co.id

Gapasdap hopes the government will locate a balance that allows for flexible load sharing, ensuring the sustainability of the crossing system without negatively impacting any party involved.