Overdimension Overloading Trucks Cited as Cause of Congestion at Ketapang Port
Vehicle queues at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, have begun to subside after experiencing significant congestion. An evaluation of vehicle management, particularly regarding Overdimension Overloading (ODOL) trucks, is deemed necessary to maintain the smooth operation of the Ketapang-Gilimanuk ferry crossing.
Siswanto Rusdi, Director of The National Maritime Institute (Namarin), assessed that the pier capacity at Ketapang is actually adequate. According to him, the issue arises when vehicles with dimensions and loads exceeding regulations enter the port area.
“The congestion at Ketapang is not due to the port being unprepared to serve, but because ODOL trucks exceed the available pier capacity. In terms of quantity, there are plenty of piers, and if trucks arriving at the port comply with regulations, there should be no congestion at all,” Siswanto stated in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday (2/10/2026).
Siswanto also highlighted the influx of ODOL trucks following recent blockades at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing. He noted that this situation must be addressed as it can impact maritime safety and the smooth distribution of goods.
“Ships are unable to berth at the port, which disrupts the flow of goods distribution and hinders the economy,” said Siswanto.
He believes that field management must be carried out consistently so that the activities of passengers and vehicles are not disrupted. Siswanto also called on security forces to ensure that port operations continue to run smoothly.
“Port security, the Police, and the TNI must act firmly. The state must not lose to a handful of irresponsible individuals. They must be dealt with strictly for incidents that endanger and harm the public,” added Siswasting.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR), Edi Purwanto, requested that the Ministry of Transportation, ASDP, and local governments conduct a joint evaluation regarding the handling of congestion at Ketapang. This evaluation should cover the entire service process, from vehicle management to ship operations.
“The evaluation needs to look at port capacity, vehicle arrangement before entering the port, the boarding process, loading and unloading, ship readiness, and the regulation of vehicle flow on the roads leading to Ketapang,” said Edi.
Heru Widodo, President Director of ASDP Indonesia Ferry, stated that vehicle movement at Ketapang Port began to stabilise on Friday. Around 2:00 PM WIB, vehicle queues were recorded at approximately 0.5 kilometres, while vehicle flow at Gilimanuk Port remained smooth.
“We are continuously monitoring the development of vehicle and passenger flows periodically, while simultaneously adjusting ship operational patterns to actual field conditions. The increasingly controlled queues are part of the service recovery process that we continue to push,” said Heru.
According to Heru, ASDP continues to adjust service capacity on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route based on passenger and vehicle movement. Currently, 27 ships are being operated across several piers at Ketapang Port.
“At present, 27 ships are operating through several piers at Ketapang Port, consisting of five ships at Pier MB 1, five ships at Pier MB 3, 12 ships at Pier LCM, and five ships at Pier MB 4,” said Heru.
Ship operations are also adjusted based on fleet readiness and service requirements. In addition to regular vessels, the KMP Portlink VII has been deployed to Pier MB 4 to increase service capacity on the route.