Easing Gilimanuk-Ketapang Congestion, KMP Portlink VII Returns to Service
Amid increasing vehicle and passenger mobility across the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) continues to strengthen ferry service capacity by returning the large-capacity vessel KMP Portlink VII to operation in order to help ease traffic congestion across the Bali Strait.
Corporate Secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Windy Andale stated that the vessel’s operation is part of efforts to optimise the fleet and maintain service efficiency on one of Indonesia’s busiest ferry crossings. Large-capacity vessels are considered capable of accelerating vehicle loading processes whilst increasing transport capacity per voyage.
“With its large transport capacity, KMP Portlink VII can help expedite the movement of vehicles and passengers, thus expected to reduce queues and maintain smooth traffic flow at Gilimanuk Harbour,” Windy said.
He explained that KMP Portlink VII has a transport capacity of approximately 600 passengers per voyage, and is able to carry a combination of around 30 trucks and 100 small vehicles in a single crossing.
Prior to returning to operation, the vessel underwent repair and repainting works following a previous fire incident. After completion of these processes, the vessel also underwent sea trials to ensure that all systems, including engines and navigation, function optimally and meet maritime safety requirements. Following the testing results, KMP Portlink VII was declared seaworthy and ready to operate to serve users.
Traffic Increases Ahead of Nyepi
Vehicle movement towards Gilimanuk Harbour, which will cross to Ketapang Harbour, has increased over recent days. This increase has been influenced by growing public mobility undertaking earlier travels, alongside logistics distribution activities taking advantage of operational hours before the temporary closure of the ferry service during the Nyepi celebration.
Since Thursday, 12 March 2026, the harbour car park appeared crowded with motorcycles, private cars, buses, and logistics trucks. As vehicle arrivals increased over short periods, truck queues were monitored extending to around Gilimanuk Market, or approximately two kilometres from the harbour entrance.
ASDP Ketapang Branch General Manager Arief Eko explained that the increase in logistics vehicles has been influenced by goods distribution activities seeking to cross before restrictions on cargo transport are imposed during the Lebaran transport period.
On the other hand, some members of the public have also chosen to travel earlier to anticipate temporary closure of the ferry service during Nyepi celebrations.
To maintain smooth vehicle traffic flow, ASDP together with stakeholders implement vessel operational arrangements and queue management at the harbour.
Under certain conditions, crossings are prioritised for passenger vehicles such as motorcycles and private cars to maintain public mobility, whilst logistics vehicles continue to be served gradually according to vessel capacity.
Based on data from Gilimanuk Command Post for 24 hours on 13 March 2026 from 00.00–23.59 WIB or H-8, the total number of vessel trips reached 220.
Passenger realisation from Bali to Java reached 37,877 people, with vehicles comprising 6,066 motorcycles, 3,573 small vehicles, 2,154 trucks, and 383 buses, bringing total vehicles to 12,176 units. Cumulatively from H-10 to H-8, total passengers recorded reached 97,572 with 31,045 vehicles.
Meanwhile, based on Ketapang Command Post data for the same period, the number of vessel trips recorded reached 231. Passengers from Java to Bali reached 26,173 or increased 6.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Trucks recorded 2,604 units or increased 10.8 per cent, whilst buses reached 635 units or increased 7.4 per cent. Total vehicles crossing from Java to Bali reached 5,365 units, or increased 2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Cumulatively from H-10 to H-8, total passengers from Java to Bali recorded 66,305 with total vehicles reaching 15,410 units.
ASDP urges all service users to follow instructions from harbour officials and prepare journeys well so that the ferry crossing process can proceed safely, in an orderly manner, and smoothly.