East Java Transportation Agency Prepares for Vehicle Congestion at Ketapang Port Ahead of Nyepi

The Transportation Agency (Dishub) of East Java Province has begun tightening surveillance at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi to anticipate potential vehicle congestion due to the Lebaran holiday exodus schedule coinciding with Nyepi celebrations.

Nyono, head of East Java’s Dishub, stated that cross-sectoral coordination has been undertaken early to ensure smooth traffic flow at this gateway connecting Java and Bali. “We have prepared for this mudik period from the start, particularly in the Ketapang Banyuwangi area, which coincides with Nyepi. This requires special concentration,” Nyono said in Surabaya on Tuesday, 3 March.

Mitigation of Port Closure

According to the Ministry of Transportation’s regulation, this year’s Lebaran transport season lasts 16–17 days, from 17 to 31 March. Peak exodus traffic is predicted on 17–18 March, just before Nyepi, which falls on 19 March.

This situation is critical because Ketapang–Gilimanuk Port will be completely closed on 18 March to honour Balinese religious rituals. “This year there is the Nyepi celebration, with timing that is very close, so special anticipation is needed, particularly regarding the closure of Ketapang–Gilimanuk Port on 18 March, as 19 March is Nyepi,” Nyono explained.

Parking Zone Preparation

To prevent severe congestion at port access points, East Java’s Dishub has mapped several vehicle buffer points or parking zones around the Banyuwangi area. “Due to the closure, we have already mapped all parking zones around Ketapang, Banyuwangi, to anticipate vehicle congestion,” he stated.

The agency hopes this mitigation scheme will maintain smooth traffic at this critical maritime transport hub until operations return to normal after Nyepi. “Hopefully, there will be no traffic congestion or significant disruptions during the port closure,” Nyono concluded.

The Ministry of Transportation is implementing a delaying system and establishing buffer zones at Merak, Bakauheni, Ketapang, and Gilimanuk ports to anticipate congestion during the 2026 Lebaran exodus and return traffic. The ministry is also emphasising the need for comprehensive audits of ferry vessel maintenance, responding to previous incidents where logistics vehicles queued for more than 30 kilometres at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi.