Gilimanuk-Ketapang Ports Closed During Nyepi Festival Celebrations
The Gilimanuk ferry port in Jembrana, Bali, and the Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, East Java, will be closed during the Nyepi Day celebrations on 19 March, ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Inspector General Aan Suhanan, Director General of Land Transport at the Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub), urged the public to schedule their departures to Bali in advance of the holiday period.
He noted that the ports face significant congestion during the exodus season. “Ketapang and Gilimanuk have high passenger volumes, with particular considerations near Nyepi Day. The Ketapang port will close on 18 March and reopen on 20 March,” said Aan at the Transmedia Building in Jakarta on Friday (13 March).
Gilimanuk ferry crossings will be closed on 19 March and reopen on 20 March. “For logistics transport, we have prepared the Jangkar Port to Lembar in Lombok, and from Surabaya to Lembar, so logistics operations will not be affected,” he added.
He further explained that this year is expected to see approximately 143.9 million people travelling for the exodus, a slight decrease from 2025’s 146 million. Central Java is anticipated to be the most popular destination for exodus travellers.
“More than fifty per cent of Indonesia’s population will travel, either within or outside their cities. Around 143.9 million people are expected to travel. This is slightly less than last year by 1.7 per cent—last year was 146 million, though actual figures reached 154 million. Now it is predicted to be 143 million,” he stated.
Surabaya Port Passenger Numbers Expected to Reach 287,000
The number of exodus travellers passing through Gapura Surya Nusantara (GSN) Surabaya during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday is predicted to reach 287,000 passengers, representing a five per cent increase from the previous year’s recorded 273,000 passengers.
Ana Adilya, Branch Manager of the Kalimas Passenger Terminal at GSN, said the port has prepared various mitigation schemes and facility improvements to accommodate the surge, particularly for passengers arriving in Surabaya.
“This year we expect a passenger increase of roughly five per cent. So in 2025, the number of passengers at the Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal was 273,000, and this year we predict an increase to 287,000,” said Ana when met at GSN Surabaya on Friday afternoon.
To support traveller convenience, the port operator has stationed at least 39 vessel units. Additionally, terminal facility upgrades are underway, including expanded waiting areas, additional trolley services, and dedicated priority spaces for elderly passengers, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Ana stated that the peak exodus period at GSN is predicted to occur on 13-14 March 2026, while the return journey is expected to peak on 28-29 March 2026.
Popular sailing routes this year include Makassar (South Sulawesi), Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), Lembar (West Nusa Tenggara), and Kumai (Central Kalimantan).
Furthermore, the port is monitoring the potential for extreme weather in East Java waters, which poses a risk of flight schedule delays. As a precaution, the operator has established buffer zones for vessel parking to prevent berthing delays from disrupting port traffic flow.
“Vessel delays are most impactful during extreme weather. Cargo vehicles experience delays, which can significantly affect port access, but we have anticipated this by preparing buffer points,” said Ana.