In observance of Nyepi, ASDP temporarily suspends Java–Bali ferry crossings
National transportation not only connects regions but also moves in step with cultural values and local wisdom. In welcoming Nyepi Day on the island of Bali, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) will temporarily halt ferry crossings on the Java–Bali and Lombok routes as a mark of respect for the Hindu holy day.
The operational adjustment is made as part of the national transport arrangements to maintain order and honour the Catur Brata Penyepian observance on Bali.
The temporary suspension will take effect at Ketapang Port from 17:00 WIB on 18 March to 06:00 WIB on 20 March; at Gilimanuk Port from 05:00 WITA on 19 March to 06:00 WITA on 20 March; at Lembar Port from 21:00 WITA on 18 March to 01:30 WITA on 20 March; and at Padangbai Port from 04:00 WITA on 19 March to 11:30 WITA on 20 March.
Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transport, Aan Suhanan, said the policy is also motivated by Nyepi coinciding with the Lebaran 2026 period, which is expected to see a surge in mobility.
The government has prepared a range of traffic-management schemes to anticipate movements during 13–29 March. The measures include optimising the MB Pier and LCM facilities on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route, and operating alternative routes via Tanjung Wangi–Gilimas Port and Jangkar–Lembar Port.
“This step aims to distribute vehicle flow to keep it smooth, safe and controlled during the peak mudik period,” Aan said in a written statement on Wednesday (4/3/2026).
In addition to redirecting vehicles, the government has also introduced a delaying system via buffer zones on toll and non-toll roads and geofencing with a radius of 2.65 kilometres from Ketapang Port and 2 kilometres from Gilimanuk Port.
Optimising Services
In line with these policies, ASDP ensures ferry services remain optimised to face the Lebaran period.
President Director of ASDP, Heru Widodo, emphasised that the company continues to strengthen operational readiness to safeguard passengers and ensure smooth journeys.
“We are committed to always prioritising the safety of service users. We are taking preventive steps so that ferry services remain reliable and provide a sense of security for the public,” he said.
To address potential extreme weather during the mudik period, ASDP continues to coordinate with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
BMKG forecasts remain vigilant for heavy rain in several areas, including Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and the mountainous regions of Papua. In March–April, waves of moderate height (about 1.25–2.5 metres) are expected in the southern waters from Java to NTT.
As a mitigation measure, ASDP has placed tugboats on standby to assist vessel manoeuvring in strong winds and currents. On the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route, the number of vessels operating has been increased from 28 to 32 to bolster capacity and maintain traffic flow for passengers and vehicles during the peak period.
In Lebaran 2026, national mobility is projected to rise significantly. Nationally, ASDP expects total movements of around 5.8 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles.
For the Java–Bali corridor, passenger numbers are forecast to grow by about 10% and vehicles by 9.3% from the previous period.
Meanwhile, the reverse flow from Bali to Java is also anticipated to rise, with passenger growth around 9.5% and a 8.7% increase in vehicles.
Corporate Secretary Windy Andale explained that to support smooth operations, the company has prepared 350 personnel at Ketapang Port and 250 personnel at Gilimanuk Port to be stationed at the ports, buffer zones and other critical points.
Windy urged the public to plan travel earlier and to purchase tickets via the official Ferizy platform, which has been bookable since H-60 before departure.
“Avoid purchasing tickets from touts and ensure personal data matches identity so the journey proceeds smoothly,” Windy said.
Through Ferizy, service users also receive travel flexibility, including a 25% refund and a 10% discount on rescheduling, enabling people to adjust plans according to weather conditions.
With strengthened operational readiness and digitalised services, ASDP is committed to delivering ferry travel that is safe, orderly and comfortable for the public during Lebaran 2026.