Homebound Travellers Flood Mengwi Terminal Today
Police continue to ensure that bus traffic along the Denpasar–Gilimanuk route, particularly in the Badung area, remains unobstructed. A surge of homebound travellers is expected to continue filling Mengwi Terminal in Badung on Tuesday 17 March 2026 and into Wednesday as commuters attempt to meet ferry operational schedules.
Gilimanuk Port is officially closed temporarily during Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) on 19 March 2026. This situation has triggered massive population movement to allow travellers to reach Java earlier.
“We are ensuring this main route remains clear with no obstacles, and throughout the Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 we have implemented measures, particularly at congestion points and to ease vehicle density,” said Police Operations Chief of Badung Police, Senior Commissioner I Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana.
It is worth noting that this Lebaran celebration coincides with a series of Nyepi observances over recent days, such as the melasti procession. Field officers have implemented traffic management and collaborated with pecalang (traditional security volunteers) to regulate congestion points.
“We are monitoring the peak period, which is very congested—both from Balinese residents themselves and those heading towards Java. Tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon or evening might be somewhat less congested after the melasti procession concludes,” Sudarsana said.
To guarantee security at the terminal area, Badung Police have established 24-hour Service Posts (Posyan). A total of 21 police personnel have been deployed to secure the area from the terminal entrance to Cempaka Junction.
“We have set up the Posyan at Mengwi Terminal to provide a sense of safety and comfort to travellers until they reach their destination happily. In addition to police, there are also personnel from the TNI (armed forces), Transportation Agency, Civil Police Unit, Fire Department, and Health Department,” he explained.
Beyond personnel security, officers are also anticipating congestion by restricting the operation of certain vehicles. Three-axle cargo vehicles have temporarily been placed in the parking area at the rear of the terminal.
“Over the last three days we have parked three-axle vehicles at the rear of the bus terminal. Once the road becomes clear, with permission from the Regional Police Operations Bureau Controller, we will allow the trucks to depart again. This is to avoid adding to congestion heading towards Gilimanuk,” Sudarsana concluded.