Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has warned citizens to be cautious as the number of people travelling home for the Eid season, or mudik, is predicted to increase by 45% from 86 million in 2022 to 123 million this year. He urged relevant ministries and non-ministerial institutions, as well as state-owned ferry operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry, to prepare for the homecoming season and prevent a repeat of severe congestion experienced in 2022. Additional dock ports have been introduced, increasing passenger capacity from 34,000 to 49,000, and operational management, including a special port for motorbikes and heavy vehicles, has been established. All passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets online. The Eid al-Fitr festive period is a time when many people, including workers in urban areas, return to their hometowns, which could increase Covid-19 transmission rates.
