32 Kilometre Traffic Jam to Gilimanuk Port, Opportunistic Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Proliferate

A severe traffic jam with queues extending 32 kilometres towards Gilimanuk Port was seized upon by several residents along the Denpasar-Gilimanuk National Road, particularly in Kaliakah Village, Negara District, on Sunday (15 March 2026). They became opportunistic motorcycle taxi drivers.

One such individual is Ketut Oki (46). He became an informal motorcycle taxi operator after dropping off his wife at work whilst driving along the Denpasar-Gilimanuk road. Along the route, Oki observed many holiday travellers in desperation waiting inside vehicles, both buses and shared minibuses. They exited their vehicles and chose to walk towards the port. Oki then attempted to offer motorcycle taxi services.

“I tried offering motorcycle taxi services, and it turned out they were very enthusiastic. The fares vary, depending on what people are willing to pay, as my intention is simply to help. Yesterday I got two passengers, and by 11.00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time today I already had two more. Some gave me 100,000 rupiah, others 150,000 rupiah,” Oki explained.

A similar experience was shared by Nengah Poster (65). The man, who works as a motorcycle taxi driver by profession, said he was being more proactive in offering his services to holiday travellers who appeared exhausted from walking.

“At first I was just joking around offering rides. Who knows if someone would want a ride, so I offered. I set fares based on what people are willing to pay. I’ve only got my first passenger today,” he said briefly.

Beyond opportunistic motorcycle taxi services, many local residents benefited from selling food. Dozens of residents were seen hawking various goods to truck drivers and holiday travellers trapped in the congestion. Everything from jinggo rice parcels, hot coffee, to snacks were quickly snapped up by those beginning to feel hungry and thirsty in the blazing heat.

One Kaliakah Village resident, Wayan Netri (48), said he deliberately set up a coffee stall on the roadside after witnessing the exceptional traffic jam this year.

“The congestion has reached Kaliakah Village this time, which is unusual. It’s unfortunate to see the truck drivers having to wait so long, so we offered coffee and food to the holiday travellers,” Netri told detikBali.

By midday, congestion on the route to Gilimanuk remained unresolved. Police continued their efforts to manage traffic at critical points in the Jembrana region.