Altercation at Gilimanuk Port: Travel Coach Driver Clashes with Ship Personnel
A disturbance occurred at Gilimanuk Port, Jembrana Regency, Bali, on Thursday (12 March 2026) morning. A misunderstanding resulted in a brawl breaking out between a travel coach driver and port personnel at approximately 07:30 WITA.
Based on information gathered by detikBali, the incident is believed to have been triggered by impatience from a travel coach driver during the queue process to board a vessel amid changes to port operating schedules.
Tensions began when there was a change to the port’s scheduling pattern. All vessels operating at the Movable Bridge (MB) Berth were in an off position, so loading services were completely diverted to the LCM Berth.
This situation caused vehicle queues to pile up. Port personnel then implemented priority management to maintain balance and maximise ship loading capacity. Personnel prioritised logistics vehicles or trucks to manage cargo equilibrium on the vessel.
Port personnel had in fact already secured tickets for several private vehicles and travel coaches, meaning these vehicles were guaranteed loading slots for crossing. However, the situation became heated when three vehicles identified as illegal or unlicenced travel coaches attempted to force their way in ahead of the queue.
“Yes, the information is correct. There were three vehicle units that forced their way in first, with indications that these three vehicles are illegal travel coaches,” said Commander of Gilimanuk Naval Post (Danposal), Second Lieutenant Yuli Prasetyo, when confirmed by detikBali on Thursday.
Port personnel reportedly provided persuasive explanations to the drivers that they would certainly be transported. However, this explanation was not accepted by the travel coach drivers.
As emotions flared, verbal confrontation became unavoidable until physical scuffling or brawling occurred in the port area. Fortunately, the situation was quickly diffused by other security personnel on site.
“It was resolved earlier this morning, there was miscommunication between the driver and port personnel,” said Yuli.
He also appealed to all service users, particularly transport drivers, to remain orderly in following port personnel directions to ensure smooth and safe vehicle loading onto vessels.
“Currently we are approaching the busy season for the 2026 Eid exodus, so we all need to be more patient to ensure smooth traffic flow,” concluded Yuli.