On H-3 Lebaran, early Wednesday morning (March 18), the Eid homecoming traffic flow at Merak Port, Banten, remained notably smooth and conducive. Initial observations revealed no significant vehicle congestion, particularly at the port’s entry points.
Security personnel were strategically stationed at various access points, ensuring an orderly arrival of vehicles. Private cars were observed steadily entering the port area in a continuous, alternating flow, without experiencing lengthy queues. The overall traffic movement at the port’s approach remained fluid.
Queues for vehicles only materialized once inside the port area, specifically as they awaited their turn to board the ferries. However, these queues were well within manageable limits and did not extend onto the main public roads, indicating efficient internal management.
On the roads leading up to the port, activity began to pick up as numerous vehicles pulled over to purchase ferry tickets. These crucial tickets were readily available from various service providers strategically located along the route to Merak Port.
Concurrently, the port’s waiting areas presented a relatively calm scene. Passengers were observed comfortably seated, awaiting their scheduled departure times, while a smaller number queued at the check-in counters.
According to Heru Widodo, President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, the movement of people at Merak was unfolding precisely as predicted for the peak of the Eid homecoming period.
“From 8 AM until 8 PM, approximately 12,680 vehicles were recorded, and if accumulated until today, it’s likely around 13,000 vehicles have made reservations. Currently, traffic at Merak is flowing smoothly. Several parking spaces are still available. We even utilized Indah Kiat temporarily earlier, but it is now empty again. This seamless operation is undoubtedly a result of excellent coordination among ASDP, the police, and the Ministry of Transportation,” Heru stated during an interview at Merak Port on Wednesday (March 18).
Heru further clarified that the efficient flow of vehicles was significantly bolstered by a strategic scheme that segregates different types of vehicles across three distinct ports.
He detailed, “A primary factor contributing to our operational efficiency is the pre-established division of vehicle types and classes across three ports. Specifically, Merak Port is designated for pedestrians, family vehicles, smaller cars, and buses. Ciwandan Port handles two-wheeled vehicles and vehicle classes 4, 5, and 6B. Lastly, BBJ Port accommodates vehicles belonging to classes 7 through 9.”
He concluded, “This careful segregation ensures a significantly smoother experience for private passengers and the general public utilizing these ferry services.”
Summary
On H-3 Lebaran, Merak Port experienced notably smooth and uncongested traffic flow, particularly at its entry points. Security personnel ensured orderly vehicle arrivals, with queues forming only inside the port for boarding, not on main public roads. Waiting areas remained calm, and ferry tickets were readily available, highlighting efficient management.
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry President Director, Heru Widodo, confirmed the smooth operation as predicted, attributing it to excellent coordination among relevant authorities. A key factor contributing to this efficiency is the strategic segregation of vehicle types across Merak, Ciwandan, and BBJ Ports, optimizing the flow for various classes of vehicles and passengers.