Lombok-Bali Strait Ferry Services Closed on 18 March during Nyepi

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal announced the regulation of sea crossing routes on the Lombok-Bali line during Nyepi.

“On 18 March, ferry services from Lombok will close from 09:00 WITA and reopen on 20 March 2026 at 04:00 in the morning,” Iqbal said whilst monitoring the flow of homecoming traffic at Lembar Port, West Lombok, on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Iqbal explained that the ferry schedule arrangements comply with a joint decision letter and regulations implemented by the Balinese government relating to the conduct of religious activities. The policy of closing and opening ports, he said, aims to maintain orderly ferry traffic whilst ensuring all community activities in Lombok and Bali during Nyepi can take place solemnly.

The regulation of sea transport schedules connecting Lombok Island and Bali Island serves as a government measure to manage population mobility ahead of the Eid homecoming rush. “Ferry services from Bali will begin closing on 19 March 2026,” Iqbal said.

Whilst monitoring the homecoming flow at Lembar Port in West Lombok Regency, Governor Iqbal stated that ferry traffic to and from Lombok remained under control despite an increase in arrival numbers. The flow of goods, vehicles, and passengers at Lembar Port experienced an approximately 20 per cent increase. “The most significant increase is evident in motorcycles and private vehicles arriving from outside the region,” Iqbal said.

The flow of returnees heading to Lombok originated primarily from Padangbai Port in Karangasem Regency, Bali. The outflow of returnees from Lombok Island is estimated to increase following the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

The NTB government and relevant authorities continue to monitor port conditions to ensure ferry services remain safe, orderly, and smooth during the extended holiday period of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026.