Gilimanuk Port Overwhelmed, Police Implement Delay System
Bali’s Regional Police Command has implemented several measures to address the long queue of vehicles heading to Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana Regency, ahead of the peak Eid holiday exodus in 2026. The efforts are intended to maintain smooth traffic flow on the main exit route from Bali Island.
Kombes Pol Soelistijono, Head of the Operational Bureau of Bali’s Regional Police Command, stated that all personnel involved in Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 are working around the clock to ensure vehicle flow remains controlled.
“Bali’s Regional Police Command, together with all stakeholders, continues to work to ease vehicle congestion heading to Gilimanuk Port through various measures, ranging from traffic management and engineering to implementing a vehicle delay system,” he said on Sunday (15 March).
He also reminded holiday travellers to comply with traffic regulations, follow directions from field officers, and maintain safety during their journey. According to him, the smooth flow of holiday traffic depends not only on officers but also on public discipline.
Vehicle queues were reported to be quite long on the route to Gilimanuk Port on Sunday. The line of vehicles reportedly stretched for tens of kilometres due to the increased number of people wanting to leave Bali ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
To address this situation, police deployed personnel at several congestion hotspots to manage traffic and engineer vehicle flow towards the port.
In addition, coordination has also been undertaken with various parties to implement an Arrive-Discharge-Depart (ADD) pattern at Ketapang Port in East Java. This scheme aims to accelerate the vehicle loading and unloading process so that ferries can quickly resume the next crossing.
Another measure implemented was the restriction of three-axle and larger vehicles in several areas, including Denpasar City, Badung Regency, and Tabanan Regency.
“These vehicles are directed to a buffer zone to implement a delay system so that not all vehicles arrive at the port area simultaneously,” he said.
The police also prepared several parking pockets to temporarily accommodate vehicles before they enter the port area.
Routine patrols are also being conducted to prevent queue-jumping practices that could cause additional congestion or conflicts between drivers.
At night, officers even conduct patrols using motorcycles to wake up drivers who fall asleep in their vehicles whilst waiting in the queue to the port.
Meanwhile, a different situation was observed at Padangbai Port in Karangasem Regency. Crossing activity at this port remained relatively quiet, with vehicle queues barely visible as vehicle volume had not yet experienced a significant increase.