Gilimanuk Port Congestion: Transport Minister States Buffer Zone Already Prepared

Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi has prepared several measures to ease congestion and vehicle accumulation at Gilimanuk Ferry Port in Bali ahead of the Eid 1447 Hijriah exodus. One of the key measures involves providing buffer zones to accommodate vehicles before they enter the port.

Purwagandhi stated that the government would increase the number of ferries and separate large vehicles so that cars and buses could move more quickly. “We are definitely preparing buffer zones, adding ferries, then separating large vehicles and placing them in buffer zones, so that small vehicles and buses can be prioritised,” said Purwagandhi after attending the launch of residential housing development programme in support of the 3 Million Homes initiative at Manggarai Station, Jakarta, on Monday (16 March 2026).

The Transport Ministry is also prioritising motorcycles for earlier boarding. According to Purwagandhi, motorcyclists need priority because they lack vehicle protection whilst waiting in long queues.

“So there will be additional ferries, buffer zones, then prioritise motorcycles, as well as small vehicles and buses,” said Purwagandhi.

Purwagandhi also appealed to logistics entrepreneurs to make room for returning travellers during the exodus period. “Given what is happening at Gilimanuk, we urge logistics entrepreneurs not to prioritise their sectoral interests. There is a wider public that we need to serve and accommodate during the exodus journey,” said Purwagandhi.

Previously, Commission V Member of Parliament Sudjatmiko requested the Transport Ministry and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to take swift action to resolve congestion on the Denpasar–Gilimanuk route. He received reports of vehicle queues during the exodus reaching 45 to 50 kilometres heading towards Gilimanuk Port.

Sudjatmiko assessed that this situation has forced thousands of travellers to wait for hours on the road without certainty about crossing times. According to him, this situation must not be prolonged as it concerns the safety and comfort of people travelling for the holidays.

“Congestion extending tens of kilometres demonstrates the need for swift, coordinated, and measured action. The state must ensure that returning travellers can make their journey safely and humanely,” said Sudjatmiko in a press statement in Jakarta on Monday (16 March 2026).

Sudjatmiko also requested that coordination between the Transport Ministry, PT ASDP, police, and local government be strengthened so that traffic management can be implemented more effectively. According to him, increasing the ferry fleet should also be considered to accelerate the crossing process.

“Coordination with ASDP must be strengthened. If additional ferry vessels are indeed needed to speed up the crossing process, then this action must be taken as soon as possible. Do not wait for queues to become longer and people to be stranded on the road for even longer,” said Sudjatmiko.