Jasa Marga Chief Comments on Severe Traffic Congestion in Bali
Jakarta — PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk. (JSMR) has issued a statement regarding severe holiday traffic congestion at ports. Chief Executive Officer Rivan Achmad Purwantono stated that whilst port congestion is outside the company’s purview, toll roads have been significantly affected by the spillover traffic.
In response, Jasa Marga has implemented traffic management measures at several key points. One critical measure involves restricting vehicles coming from Bali from entering certain areas, such as Besuki, to prevent vehicle accumulation that could disrupt other road users.
“The impacts are inevitable. Yesterday I anticipated this because there are still many junction points from Bali. Yesterday I anticipated that we would not permit entry into Besuki,” Rivan said following the launch of the 2026 Free Holiday Exodus programme for state-owned enterprises at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
Vehicle volume movements remain consistent with projections. At peak periods, traffic reached approximately 190,000 vehicles on Saturday before declining to around 170,000 vehicles, figures within the predicted range.
The toll road operator has also prepared contraflow traffic management measures should vehicle volume spike unexpectedly. Preparations have been in place since 17 March and will be deployed based on field conditions.
“We prepared for the 18th; today the 17th we are already laying groundwork for contraflow if needed,” Rivan explained.
He added that traffic conditions overall remain monitored as smooth and controlled, supported by public awareness in scheduling departure times to distribute vehicle flow and prevent concentration at specific hours.
“So far conditions remain very good. The public is truly heeding the time management guidance, arranging their departure times responsibly,” he concluded.
As of the previous day, congestion and vehicle accumulation occurred at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi and Gilimanuk Port in Bali. Queues to Gilimanuk Port were monitored as dense, dominated by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles heading to Java Island.