Indonesia Braces for Record 146.48 Million Travelers During Eid Al-Fitr 1446 H

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesia Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), through its Transport Policy Agency (BKT), has conducted a survey in collaboration with R&D Kompas to assess the potential movement of people during the 2025 Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) holiday period. The survey results indicate that approximately 146.48 million people, or 52 percent of Indonesia’s total population, are expected to travel during this period.  

Indonesia Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi revealed that the survey findings have been reported to President Prabowo Subianto and shared with relevant stakeholders, including the House of Representatives (DPR), ministries, local governments, the Indonesian National Police (Polri), state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and private sector entities.  

“In response to these figures, we have held coordination meetings with various parties, including ministers, regional leaders, heads of state-owned enterprises, and private sector representatives. These preparations are being made well in advance to ensure that the public can travel safely, comfortably, and smoothly during the Eid holiday,” Budi stated during the Coordination Meeting for Preparing the Implementation of Eid Transport 2025 at the Ministry of Transportation headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, March 14, 2025.  

Anticipating Traffic Surges and Implementing Policies

To address the anticipated surge in traffic congestion at key transportation nodes and along major toll and arterial roads, the government plans to implement several strategic policies. These include the Work from Anywhere (WFA) initiative, free homecoming programs, traffic engineering measures, and targeted traffic regulations in high-risk areas.  

“The survey predicts that the peak of the homecoming flow will occur on H-3, or March 28, 2025, with an estimated 12.1 million people traveling. Meanwhile, the peak of the return flow is expected on H+5, or April 6, 2025, with approximately 31.49 million people on the move,” Budi explained.  

Regional Distribution of Travelers

The survey also highlighted the regional distribution of travelers. West Java is projected to have the highest number of outbound travelers at 30.9 million (21.1 percent), followed by East Java with 26.4 million (18 percent), Central Java with 23.3 million (15.9 percent), Banten with 7.9 million (5.4 percent), and DKI Jakarta with 6.7 million (4.6 percent).  

In terms of destinations, Central Java is expected to receive the largest number of travelers at 36.6 million (25 percent), followed by East Java with 27.4 million (18.7 percent), West Java with 22.1 million (15.1 percent), Yogyakarta with 9.4 million (6.4 percent), and North Sumatra with 6.2 million (4.2 percent).  

Preferred Modes of Transportation

The survey identified five primary modes of transportation favored by travelers during the Eid holiday. Private cars topped the list, with 33.69 million travelers (23 percent), followed by buses at 24.76 million (16.9 percent), intercity trains at 23.58 million (16.1 percent), airplanes at 19.77 million (13.5 percent), and motorcycles at 12.74 million (8.7 percent).  

“The peak departure day for private cars is predicted to be H-3, with 3.47 million vehicles on the road, while the peak return day is expected to be H+5, with 6.97 million vehicles. The Trans Java Toll Road is likely to experience significant congestion, with an estimated 7.95 million private cars using the route,” Budi added.  

For motorcycles, the peak departure day is also H-3, with 1.08 million riders, while the peak return day is H+5, with 2.3 million riders. Motorcycle traffic is expected to concentrate on arterial and alternative roads, with an estimated 4.41 million riders.  

Key Transportation Nodes

The survey identified several high-traffic transportation nodes. For road transport, Purabaya Terminal in Surabaya is expected to be the busiest departure point, with 1.08 million travelers, while Giwangan Terminal in Yogyakarta is predicted to be the busiest arrival point, with 609,450 travelers.  

In the rail sector, Jakarta’s Senen Pasar Station is expected to see 4.08 million departing passengers, while Yogyakarta’s Tugu Station is projected to receive 2.02 million arriving passengers.  

For air travel, Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar is anticipated to be the busiest departure point, with 1.60 million passengers, while Juanda Airport in Surabaya is expected to be the busiest arrival point, with 3.24 million passengers.  

In the maritime sector, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya is predicted to handle 292,810 departing passengers and 766,380 arriving passengers, making it the busiest port for both departures and arrivals.  

Ensuring Safe and Smooth Travel

Minister Budi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and well-managed transportation during the Eid holiday. “We are dedicated to making this year’s Eid transportation safe and under control. We will also optimize the 24-hour Transport Information Center to monitor movements across all modes of transportation,” he stated.  

The Ministry of Transportation’s comprehensive preparations and strategic policies aim to address the challenges posed by the massive movement of people during the Eid holiday, ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience for millions of Indonesians.