Ministry of Transportation's Strategy to Handle the Surge in Return Traffic on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk Route

JAKARTA - In anticipation of the heavy return traffic during the second wave of the 2026 Lebaran holiday on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route, the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation held a coordination meeting. This step is intended to prevent long queues like those complained about by the public during the outbound journey period. “We must prioritise crossing services from Ketapang to Gilimanuk during this return flow. For the Arrive–Unload–Depart (TBB) mechanism, we have a maximum V/C ratio parameter of 0.6. Therefore, decisions must be made quickly and not delayed according to field conditions,” said the Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, in his official statement on Thursday (26/3/2026). For this reason, the readiness of buffer zones is key and must be utilised optimally during this Lebaran return period. “The arrangement of two-axle goods vehicles that are not subject to restrictions also needs to be considered to maintain conducive conditions,” he added. Buffer zones for four-wheeled vehicles and buses are allocated in the Grand Watudodol area and the Bulusan Parking Pocket. Meanwhile, for goods vehicles, they are in the Sri Tanjung buffer zone as well as the PT Pusri and Pelindo parking pockets. “If necessary, the number of ships can be increased to 35 to 40 units. In addition, there will be two auxiliary ships with a capacity of 60 to 80 vehicles,” said Aan. Based on data collected by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, from H+1 to H+3, 41,526 vehicles have crossed to Bali, consisting of 24,093 motorcycles, 14,179 cars, 927 buses, and 2,327 trucks. “From that number, there are still 114,255 vehicles or about 73 percent that have not yet crossed to Bali. ASDP predicts the peak return flow will occur on H+6 or 28 March 2026,” he stated.