ASDP Chief Addresses Causes of Congestion at Gilimanuk Port

Heru Widodo, Chief Executive of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, has stated that one major cause of congestion at Gilimanuk Port is the illegal operation of three-axle trucks that breach operational restrictions. Three-axle trucks operating outside permitted hours have resulted in severe congestion.

“This is also due to non-compliance from vehicles with three or more axles, which ought to be restricted, yet continue operating during hours when they are actually prohibited. This is what caused the prolonged gridlock at Gilimanuk yesterday,” Heru said at Merak Port on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Additionally, he noted an increase in passenger traffic compared to previous migration periods ahead of Nyepi Day. Heru reported that vehicle movements rose by approximately 33 per cent.

“For example, last year the number of vehicle movements was around 21,000. But this year, on the same day and date, vehicle movements were 27,000. That is a substantial increase of 33 per cent compared to last year,” he explained.

In anticipation of similar congestion recurring, the government has deployed an additional vessel to transport passengers. “From the 34 vessels we previously had, we have added one more – our vessel on the Lembar-Padangbai route,” he said.

Heru indicated that vehicle congestion has begun to ease. He expressed confidence that the congestion problem would be resolved shortly.

“This is now operational, so the queue on the road leading to the port is starting to reduce. And I am confident that this evening, God willing, everything will be resolved,” he stated.

Congestion in the migration flow occurred at Gilimanuk Port, Bali, on Monday, 16 March. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry apologised for the congestion affecting passenger transport heading to Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.

“ASDP extends its apologies for the discomfort experienced by some service users,” said Windy Andale, Secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), on Monday, 16 March.

Terminal III at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, implemented a full arrival-discharge-departure (ADD) operation pattern for support vessels to reduce congestion and passenger queues at Gilimanuk Port, Bali.

“The implementation of the full ADD operation pattern at Terminal III of Ketapang Port began on 15 March 2026 as part of expedited service delivery,” said Windy Andale.