Minister: Work from Anywhere Pushes Travelers to Leave Earlier
- VIVA.co.id/Yandi Deslatama (Serang)
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian Minister of Transportation Dudi Purwagandhy stated that the Work from Anywhere (WFA) policy ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2025 has led to an increase in homecoming travelers since last weekend.
Many people, seeking to avoid congestion, have chosen to leave earlier, causing a surge in ferry passengers, particularly among private four-wheeled vehicles.
Minister Purwaghandhy observed this firsthand while inspecting Indah Kiat Port with ASDP officials. The port serves as a buffer zone to ensure a smooth flow of homecoming traffic.
He explained that if parking areas at Merak Port reach capacity, four-wheeled private vehicles will be redirected to Indah Kiat Port to prevent long queues.
Menteri Perhubungan Dudy Purwagandhi
- VIVA.co.id/Fajar Ramadhan
Indah Kiat Port spans 93,426 square meters and can accommodate up to 2,072 small vehicles. Additionally, the South Ring Road (JLS) will be used as an overflow parking area if Ciwandan Port reaches its maximum capacity.
According to ASDP Corporate Secretary Shelvy Arifin, from Friday to Saturday, a total of 88,396 people and 20,887 vehicles crossed from Java to Sumatra via Merak Port.
This marks a 47% increase compared to the same period last year, with a significant spike in four-wheeled vehicles.
On Saturday alone, the number of passengers reached 50,055 people, an increase of 79% from 27,898 people last year.
The number of four-wheeled vehicles also skyrocketed to 6,015 units, a 102% jump from 2,983 units in the same period last year.
To support a smoother homecoming flow, ASDP has introduced a fare discount of up to 36% or a flat-rate ticket for the Merak-Bakauheni express service from Monday (March 24) to Sunday (March 30).
The discount applies to pedestrians, Category IVA, IVB, VA, and VIA vehicles to help distribute traffic more evenly.
Additionally, a vehicle distribution strategy is being implemented: private cars and buses are directed through Merak Port, motorcycles and Category VB & VIB trucks through Ciwandan Port, while Category VII, VIII, and IX trucks are rerouted to Bandar Bakau Jaya Port.
On toll roads, vehicles from Cilegon Timur Toll Exit are guided toward Merak, Ciwandan, and BBJ Ports, while those from Merak Toll Exit must follow their designated check-in schedules.
