Ministry of Transportation Extends Celukan Bawang Pier to Reduce Load on Ketapang–Gilimanuk Crossing

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Transportation is planning to add length to the pier at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency, North Bali. This step is aimed at strengthening port infrastructure while serving as an alternative to ease the density of the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that port development is a strategic option to distribute crossing traffic to other areas in Bali. “As conveyed by the Governor of Bali, in our last meeting we discussed how to address the congestion of the crossing from Ketapang to Gilimanuk,” Dudy said during a Working Meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Building on Wednesday (8/4/2026). “One of the alternatives is port development, including in the northern and eastern regions of Bali,” he added. Celukan Bawang Port currently serves domestic and international ships. It is managed by Pelindo. The infrastructure is starting to experience physical damage. Conflicts over space utilisation between cargo ships and large vessels are also an operational constraint. The initial development phase includes adding 92 metres to the length of Dermaga 1. This pier will serve general cargo ships and liquid bulk asphalt. “Meanwhile, Dermaga 2 will later become a multipurpose pier serving passengers, cargo, and dry bulk, with an addition of about 60 metres,” he continued. “Celukan Bawang is one of the progresses we will undertake for the development of other ports mentioned by the Governor of Bali, which include Sangit, then Amet and Gunaksa,” he concluded.