Anticipating Peak Return Flow, Ships at Ketapang Can Be Increased to 40 Units

The government is preparing strategies to face the peak return flow of the 2026 Lebaran on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing. Coordination is being carried out to anticipate the surge in vehicles at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi. The Directorate General of Land Transportation, together with stakeholders, held a coordination meeting on Thursday (26/3/2026). “We must prioritise crossing services from Ketapang to Gilimanuk during this return flow,” said Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan in an official statement. “For the Arrive-Unload-Depart (TBB) mechanism, we have a maximum V/C ratio parameter of 0.6; decisions must be taken quickly and not delayed according to field conditions,” he continued. Evaluation of the outbound flow encourages the optimisation of buffer zones and delaying systems. These two steps are aimed at alleviating vehicle queues to the port. “The readiness of the buffer zone is key and must be utilised as best as possible,” said Aan. The regulation of goods vehicles is also a concern. Two-axle goods vehicles that are not subject to restrictions must still be regulated to ensure conducive traffic. Buffer zones for four-wheeled vehicles and buses are prepared at Gran Watudodol and the Bulusan Parking Pocket. Goods vehicles are directed to the Sri Tanjung buffer zone as well as the PT Pusri and Pelindo parking pockets. “If absolutely necessary, the number of ships can be increased to 35 to 40 ships, and there will be two support ships with a capacity of 60 to 80 vehicles,” he added. Data from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry records that from H+1 to H+3, 41,526 vehicles have crossed to Bali. The details include 24,093 motorcycles, 14,179 cars, 927 buses, and 2,327 trucks. “There are still 114,255 vehicles (73 percent) that have not crossed to Bali, and ASDP predicts the highest return flow will occur on H+6 or 28 March 2026,” he emphasised.