Anticipating Congestion at Ketapang Port During the Return Flow
The peak of the Lebaran return flow at the Ketapang Port crossing in Banyuwangi is predicted to occur on 26-29 March 2026. Nevertheless, passenger traffic has already been observed to increase since Monday, 23 March 2026, particularly for two-wheeled vehicles.
A coordination meeting was held at the ASDP Ketapang Post, last Tuesday, 24 March 2026. The meeting, connected directly online with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, was attended by East Java Police Chief Inspector General Nanang Avianto, Banyuwangi Deputy Regent Mujiono, Banyuwangi Police Chief Commissioner Big Rofiq Ripto Himawan, and Forkopimda, as well as related stakeholders.
Banyuwangi Deputy Regent Mujiono urged holidaymakers to schedule their journeys earlier or choose times outside the peak return flow period. “Holidaymakers should manage their travel times and continue to monitor information to avoid congestion. Moreover, the government has issued a work-from-anywhere policy that can be utilised as an alternative in selecting travel times,” said Mujiono in a written statement received by Tempo on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Through the meeting, mitigation and several anticipatory steps have been prepared in case of congestion. One of them is the preparation of a buffer zone or several parking pockets spread across 16 points around Ketapang Port. “There are 16 buffer zone points prepared to accommodate vehicles if congestion occurs,” said Banyuwangi Police Chief Rofiq Ripto.
In addition, additional parking pockets are on standby at RTK Tanjungwangi, Sri Tanjung Terminal, Sri Tanjung Petrol Station, and the Grand Watu Dodol area (GWD). These steps are expected to reduce vehicle congestion heading to the port and maintain the smooth flow of the Lebaran return on the Java-Bali crossing route. “Combined personnel from TNI, Polri, BPBD, SAR, volunteers, and other related stakeholders are also continuously on standby,” added the Police Chief.
National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that the utilisation of the work-from-anywhere policy can be one step in reducing congestion during certain periods. He also mentioned the need for a comprehensive evaluation of conditions in Gilimanuk.
Meanwhile, ASDP Deputy Director Yossianis Marciano said that for smoothness, ticket sales are no longer available at the port. Service users are required to purchase tickets through the digital platform Ferizy, which has been available up to H-60.