Pulo Gebang Predicts Surge in Post-Eid Traffic: Peak Expected

TheIndonesia.co - The authorities of Pulo Gebang Integrated Bus Terminal in Jakarta have predicted a significant increase in post-Eid holiday traffic between April 5 and 7, 2025. The terminal expects the busiest days to fall on the night of Saturday, April 5, through to Monday evening, April 7. This forecast follows the usual surge in traffic after the Eid celebrations, known as Lebaran.

According to Antara News Agency, Mujib Tambrin, the Operations Supervisor of Pulo Gebang Terminal, spoke on Tuesday, explaining that the terminal anticipates the highest volume of return travelers during these dates. As of Tuesday at 9:00 AM WIB, 61 buses had departed from the terminal, carrying a total of 508 passengers. Meanwhile, 70 buses had arrived at the terminal, bringing 196 passengers back. Mujib noted that these figures are still relatively low, but they are expected to rise significantly in the coming days, particularly from April 5 to 7.

In comparison, last year, during the same period, the total number of return travelers departing from Pulo Gebang Terminal between H-7 to H-2 amounted to 26,369 people. This year, that number is already predicted to increase, with a total of 28,700 travelers expected to depart during the same timeframe.

The situation is not only concentrated around the terminal in Jakarta, but also affects the ferry crossings between Sumatra and Java. The ferry service, which operates between Merak in West Java and Bakauheni in Lampung, Sumatra, is preparing for a large influx of passengers as the peak of the return flow draws near. With the holiday season coinciding with school holidays and the increase in people returning to work, the ferry operators are bracing for significant congestion, especially between April 5 and 7.

Ferry crossings have already started to become busier, and officials are predicting that the peak for ferry traffic will occur between these dates. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and be prepared for potential delays, as the crossing is expected to be crowded, particularly during peak hours on April 5 and 6.

Authorities are taking measures to ensure smooth operations at the terminal and on the ferries, including increasing the number of buses and ferry crossings, as well as providing additional support staff to manage the anticipated surge in passengers. Travelers are also encouraged to check for updates on ferry schedules to avoid long waiting times and ensure a more convenient journey back home after the Eid celebrations.