Ketapang-Gilimanuk Crossing in the Spotlight: ASDP's Strategy

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) continues to be vigilant against the possibility of a surge in return traffic of service users heading to Bali Island via Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.

“From H+1 to H+3 of Eid al-Fitr 2026 today, the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing is running normally with no issues at all. Nevertheless, the Minister of Transportation constantly reminds us to remain alert if there is a surge of returnees crossing to Gilimanuk,” said Deputy Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Yossianis Marciano at Ketapang Port on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

He stated that the return flow through the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing has been steadily increasing since H+1 to H+3 of Eid on Wednesday (25/3). According to Yossi, ASDP Ketapang continues to evaluate ferry operations and vehicle arrangements for four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles daily as an effort to anticipate a passenger surge at the peak return flow, estimated to start from 26–29 March 2026.

As part of integrated traffic management, he continued, ASDP has also provided buffer zones at Grand Watudodol and Bulusan with a capacity of around 900 vehicles for private cars and buses.

Meanwhile, logistics vehicles are directed to Terminal Sritanjung, PT Pusri, and Pelindo Tanjung Wangi with a capacity of around 600 vehicles.

“In the buffer zones, we will also provide food and drink if queues occur with sufficiently long waiting times. However, our hope is that the return flow runs smoothly, safely, and under control,” said Yossi.

He added that in the last two days, the return flow at the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing has run normally by operating 29 ferry units out of a total of 55 vessels.

Data from the 2026 Eid Transportation Post at Ketapang Port shows that on H+2 Eid or Tuesday (24/3), over 24 hours, a total of 45,615 passengers crossed from Java to Bali with 192 trips.

This number increased compared to H+1 Eid or Monday (23/3) with 38,212 passengers and 171 trips.

In a very dense scenario, especially when the vehicle volume in the port parking area at Ketapang Port reaches 972 car units, ASDP together with the Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), Land Transportation Management Agency (BPTD), and police will implement the Tiba Bongkar Berangkat (TBB) pattern.

This TBB scheme allows ships to immediately return to operations without loading from Gilimanuk Port, thereby accelerating the dispersal of queues at Ketapang Port.