Horror Traffic Congestion at Gilimanuk Port as Transport Minister Targets Non-Compliant Trucks

Jakarta — The Transport Minister, Dudy Purwagandhi, has raised concerns about several logistics operators who continue to operate large trucks despite cargo transport restrictions implemented during the Eid 2026 exodus period.

These violations, he stated, are directly contributing to increased vehicle queue volumes, particularly at the Gilimanuk ferry crossing to Ketapang Port in East Java.

“There are still logistics operators who have not complied with the operational restrictions on three-axle and larger trucks that have been in effect since 13 March,” Dudy said in a statement on Monday (16 March 2026).

Under the regulations, cargo transport vehicles with three or more axles have had their operations restricted from 13–29 March 2026 to maintain smooth holiday travel flow and road safety for users.

Dudy emphasised that the policy was introduced to ensure public mobility remained smooth ahead of Eid. However, if the rules are breached, the presence of large trucks on holiday routes risks worsening congestion whilst simultaneously increasing safety risks, both on highways and in port areas.

To ease congestion on the Java–Bali crossing, the Transport Ministry has prepared several measures, ranging from adding vessel capacity to accelerating ferry services.

“These include increasing the number of ships, implementing a turnaround scheme, and operating large-capacity vessels to expedite the crossing process,” he said. “Large ships from the Padangbai–Lembar route are also temporarily being redirected to the Gilimanuk–Ketapang crossing to accelerate vehicle throughput,” he added.

The Transport Ministry, together with police, has also implemented traffic management around the port, including temporarily halting large truck journeys to Gilimanuk Port, particularly vehicles with three or more axles. Empty trucks are being directed to designated parking areas to prevent further congestion on routes leading to the port.