Ministry of Transport adjusts transportation operations ahead of Nyepi in Bali
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) has coordinated with all stakeholders to adjust operational procedures across numerous transportation services ahead of the Nyepi celebration, marking the Balinese New Year (Saka Year 1948) in Bali.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the policy ensures smooth public mobility whilst honouring the Catur Brata Penyepian, a sacred tradition for Hindus in Bali.
“These transportation operational adjustments are made to maintain good public mobility before and after Nyepi, whilst respecting the Catur Brata Penyepian, which is an important part of Balinese local wisdom,” said Menhub in Jakarta on Monday. “The government urges people to plan their journeys in advance so that travel can proceed in an orderly, safe and comfortable manner.”
The adjustments stem from coordination between regional government authorities, security forces, relevant agencies, and traditional community representatives, as outlined in a joint statement regarding Nyepi Year 1948 celebrations.
The government hopes that mobility before and after Nyepi will proceed in a more planned manner whilst prioritising safety, security, and comfort, whilst preserving harmony and respecting Balinese local wisdom.
Several transport modes in Bali will temporarily cease operations during Nyepi as a mark of respect for the 24-hour Catur Brata Penyepian observance.
Flight operations at Ngurah Rai International Airport will be suspended from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 06.00 WITA until Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06.00 WITA. All domestic and international flight activities will halt during this period and resume normally once Nyepi concludes.
Operational adjustments also apply to ferry services connecting Bali with neighbouring regions. On the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route, ferry services from Ketapang Port in East Java will cease from Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 17.00 WIB. Services from Gilimanuk Port, Bali, will close from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 05.00 WITA and reopen on Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06.00 WITA after Nyepi concludes.
Additionally, shipping services on the Padang Bai–Lembar route will adjust their operational schedules, temporarily halting activities during Nyepi and resuming afterwards.
In the land transport sector, public transport terminals in Bali are also adjusting operations. Mengwi Type A Terminal, a major transport hub in Bali, will limit intercity and inter-provincial bus departures until midday on the day before Nyepi. Terminal operations will then cease during Nyepi and resume normally afterwards.
The Transport Minister has also requested that transport operators ensure their equipment and facilities are ready, including fleet serviceability and the readiness of personnel assigned during the operational adjustment period.
Transport operator Dudy urges the public travelling to or from Bali to pay attention to applicable transport schedules, follow instructions from field personnel, and respect the Nyepi celebration.