ASDP on Guard for Surge in Return Traffic at Ketapang-Gilimanuk Crossing
Banyuwangi, East Java (ANTARA) - PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) continues to remain vigilant should there be a sudden surge in return traffic from service users heading to Bali Island via Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.
“Since H+1 to H+3 of Eid 2026 today, the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing has been running normally with no issues whatsoever. Nevertheless, the Minister of Transportation continually reminds us to stay alert for any surge in returnees crossing to Gilimanuk,” said Deputy Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), Yossianis Marciano, at Ketapang Port on Wednesday.
He stated that return traffic through the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing has been steadily increasing since H+1 to H+3 of Eid on Wednesday (25/3).
According to Yossi, ASDP Ketapang is continuously evaluating ferry operations and the management of four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicle returnees daily to anticipate a passenger surge at the peak return period, estimated from 26-29 March 2026.
As part of integrated traffic management, he continued, ASDP has also prepared buffer zones at Grand Watudodol and Bulusan with a capacity of around 900 vehicles for private cars and buses.
Meanwhile, logistics vehicles are directed to Sritanjung Terminal, PT Pusri, and Pelindo Tanjung Wangi with a capacity of around 600 vehicles.
“In the buffer zones, we will also provide food and drinks if queues become too long. But our hope is that the return traffic runs smoothly, safely, and under control,” said Yossi.
He added that over the last two days, return traffic at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing has been normal, operating 29 ferry units out of a 55-vessel fleet.
Data from the 2026 Eid Transport Post at Ketapang Port shows that on H+2 Eid, or Tuesday (24/3), over 24 hours, a total of 45,615 passengers crossed from Java to Bali with 192 trips. This figure is an increase from H+1 Eid, or Monday (23/3), with 38,212 passengers and 171 trips.
In very dense scenarios, particularly when the vehicle holding area at Ketapang Port reaches 972 cars, ASDP, together with the Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), the Land Transportation Management Centre (BPTD), and the police, will implement the ‘Tiba Bongkar Berangkat’ (TBB) pattern.
This TBB scheme allows vessels to return to operation immediately without loading from Gilimanuk Port, thereby accelerating the dispersal of queues at Ketapang Port.