Heckled by Drivers at Ketapang Port, Transport Minister Understands

Transport Minister (Menbub) Dudy Purwagandhi stated that he understands the shouts from holidaymakers during his inspection at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on Tuesday (18/3/2026). This is considering the long vehicle queues, while emphasising that his visit aims to accelerate handling of the density ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri 2026. “So because yesterday perhaps the holidaymakers had been waiting a long time, they might have been a bit angry, but I understand,” said the Transport Minister when met by the media after releasing participants of the Free Police Precision Mudik at Polda Metro Jaya, Semanggi, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Dudy explained that his visit to Ketapang Port was to continue the journey to Gilimanuk. This was done to coordinate regarding the density occurring in that crossing area. Upon arriving at Ketapang, he directly observed the quite long vehicle queues. Thus, his presence in efforts to handle the crossing flow ahead of the busy period became the main focus of the drivers. Due to those queue conditions, the Ministry of Transport entourage decided not to use vehicles to cross and chose to continue the journey as foot passengers. Dudy explained that crossing as foot passengers allows for a faster journey because it is not bound by vehicle queues. In that way, coordination can be carried out immediately at the next destination. That step was taken so that coordination at Gilimanuk Port can be immediately carried out to address the density that has the potential to increase ahead of Nyepi Day in that region. In addition, said Dudy, efforts to accelerate coordination are being made to ensure that crossing density problems can be resolved before Nyepi takes place. So as not to disturb the community celebrating it.