Government Ready to Trial Solutions for Gilimanuk Port Congestion

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stated that the government is now ready to trial a number of solutions to resolve congestion at Gilimanuk Port. “The congestion case during the Lebaran homecoming flow, which coincided with the Nyepi holy day, has become a serious case study and solutions are currently being sought, with several steps already prepared for trial,” said Menko AHY. Speaking at a Regional Development Coordination Meeting in Denpasar on Monday, AHY first explained that infrastructure and connectivity are crucial for Bali’s development. Resilient and sustainable infrastructure is believed to unlock new economic opportunities, making Gilimanuk Port, which faces congestion every holiday season, a priority for finding a solution. The steps the government must take include, in the short term, increasing port capacity, including at Celukan Bawang Port as a supporting facility. In addition, traffic engineering is necessary to prevent traffic from coming to a complete standstill, which causes driver fatigue and road accidents. “The first step is to increase port capacity, both at Ketapang and Gilimanuk Ports, and then to optimise Celukan Bawang Port,” said the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure.