Ferry Traffic on Java-Sumatra and Java-Bali Routes Increases

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry recorded an increase in ferry traffic on the main Java-Sumatra and Java-Bali routes, as people are eager to take advantage of the long holiday for 2026 Chinese New Year travel.

"The 2026 Chinese New Year long holiday has once again stimulated inter-regional public mobility," said ASDP President Director Heru Widodo in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday, February 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Heru said the increased traffic reflects the increased activity of public movement during the holiday period. "This increase is not just a statistical figure, but a concrete reflection of increased public travel activity. Therefore, ASDP is ensuring optimal operational readiness to minimize potential congestion at ports."

As of Saturday, February 14, 2026, cumulative data shows a significant increase in ferry traffic from Java to Sumatra via Merak Port. The total number of passengers reached 39,593, which is a 36.2 percent increase compared to Friday, February 13, 2026. The total number of vehicles was 10,750 units, which is a 33.9 percent increase.

Conversely, traffic from Sumatra to Java via Bakauheni Port remained relatively stable. Passenger traffic reached 28,611, a 1.1 percent decerease, while vehicle traffic reached 7,561 units, an 1.8 percent decrease compared to the previous day.

"This pattern indicates a predominant flow of people heading to Sumatra at the start of the long holiday period," said Heru.

Meanwhile, travel from Bali to Java via Gilimanuk Port recorded 21,069 passengers, a 6.8 percent increase, and 6,361 vehicles, a 6.4 percent increase. The traffic from Java to Bali via Ketapang Port increased by 18.3 percent to 20,638 passengers and by 4 percent to 5,518 vehicles. These increases in two-way traffic indicate increased travel activity in the Java-Bali region.

ASDP urges all ferry users, especially those traveling on the Sumatra-Java-Bali route, to be more vigilant and prioritize safety on every trip. "Weather cannot be controlled, but preparedness can always be improved," said Heru.

ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale added that the company continues to monitor the latest weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), coordinating with port authorities and all stakeholders.

She emphasized that ensuring the safety of service users remains a primary focus and that operations are adjusted according to weather conditions without compromising service security.

According to the BMKG's February 15-18, 2026 forecast, most of Indonesia will still be in the midst of the rainy season due to the intensification of the Asian Monsoon and atmospheric dynamics in southern Indonesia. These conditions have the potential to increase rainfall intensity, wind speed, and wave height in several strategic waters along the ferry route.

The BMKG predicts that wind speeds in the Sunda Strait, Java Sea, and Bali Strait will range from eight to 20 knots, with occasional gusts reaching 20 to 25 knots. Meanwhile, significant wave heights are expected to range from 0.5 to 2.0 meters, depending on daily weather conditions.

Windy added that these conditions are an important reminder that natural factors significantly impact ferry operations, so operator preparedness and travel planning are essential for ensuring safe travel.

ASDP offers travel flexibility with a 25 percent refund policy and a 10 percent rescheduling service, which allows passengers to adjust their travel plans according to weather conditions.

"With continuously strengthened operational readiness and services, ASDP is committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and reliable travel for passengers until they reach their destination," said Windy. ***