Bali Exodus Begins, Portlink Vessel Catches Fire at Ketapang Port
The Portlink VII vessel caught fire at Dermaga MB4 in Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java, on Wednesday, 11 March 2025. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The incident occurred as ferry crossing activities between Gilimanuk Port and Ketapang Port intensified alongside the beginning of the Lebaran exodus.
A travel coach driver, Wahyu H, reportedly became alarmed when flames appeared on the starboard side of the vessel at approximately 19:00 local time. “The ship was fully loaded and nearly leaving the dock because all vehicles had already boarded when fire suddenly broke out,” Wahyu said after evacuating from the ship on Wednesday.
He reported that after the fire was spotted, all passengers and vehicles were immediately evacuated from the vessel. “Thankfully, all passengers managed to get off, though the ship remained at the dock,” he explained.
Separately, Bayu Kusumo Nugroho, Coordinator and Head of the Ketapang Port Service Unit at BPTD Class II East Java Province (Ministry of Transport), stated that the fire was extinguished at approximately 20:30 local time. “The fire is now out and we are continuing investigations,” he said.
The ferry crossing from Gilimanuk Port to Ketapang Port has begun experiencing increased traffic. Many travellers are departing early to avoid congestion and the closure of ports during Bali’s Nyepi Day celebrations.
Sandi, a 30-year-old traveller from Bondowoso, said he deliberately returned home earlier out of concern about being caught in traffic during peak exodus season. Furthermore, Gilimanuk Port will temporarily close during Nyepi Day on 19 March. “I wanted to avoid getting stuck in traffic if I left later. Traffic is usually heavy as the date approaches, especially with Bali’s Nyepi coming up,” said the man who works in interior design services in Mengwi, Badung.
Similar reasoning led M. Sidik, a 51-year-old traveller heading to Jember, East Java, to depart early. He chose to return home sooner to avoid traffic congestion and closure, whilst also attending to matters in his hometown. “Leaving early helps me avoid getting stuck in traffic and the Nyepi closure. At my age, I prefer not to spend hours on the road during congestion,” he said.