Pelindo Projects 39.7 Per Cent Decline in Lebaran Passenger Movement at Benoa Port, Bali
DENPASAR – State-owned enterprise PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) has projected passenger movement at Benoa Port, Denpasar, Bali during the 2026 Lebaran holiday transport period will decline by 39.7 per cent due to vessel route adjustments by operators.
“Several vessels that normally serve the Benoa route have been redeployed to strengthen services on routes experiencing higher holiday travel demand, particularly the Kalimantan-Java route,” said Anak Agung Gde Agung Mataram, General Manager of Pelindo’s Bali Nusa Tenggara Regional Office, in Denpasar on Friday.
Based on preliminary data for the period from 7 March to 7 April 2026, Benoa Port is projected to handle approximately 4,480 passengers across eight passenger vessel visits. This comprises 2,664 embarking passengers and 1,816 disembarking passengers.
The projection represents a decline compared to the 2025 Lebaran transport period, when Benoa Port handled 7,424 passengers – 5,338 embarking and 2,086 disembarking – across seven vessel visits.
Lebaran transport services at Benoa Port are operated by Pelni Denpasar, which will deploy three vessels: the motor ships Awu, Binaiya and Tilongkabila, whilst another vessel, the KM Leuser, has been redeployed to other congested routes.
Historically, passenger movement trends at Benoa during the Lebaran period have been relatively lower compared to other Indonesian regions. This is influenced by Bali’s demographic profile, where the majority population is non-Muslim, resulting in lower holiday travel mobility compared to other areas.
Based on passenger movement patterns, peak passenger flow is expected in mid-March 2026, with the highest passenger numbers projected from 14 March at 876 passengers and 16 March at approximately 948 passengers.
Despite the lower volume of sea passenger movement, Pelindo is ensuring full operational readiness of port facilities to support smooth services during the 2026 Lebaran holiday period. Several measures have been implemented, including optimisation of passenger terminal facilities, enhanced coordination with the Benoa Port Authority Office (KSOP), Pelni and relevant agencies, deployment of additional operational personnel during the coordination post period, and reinforcement of safety, security and passenger comfort aspects.
A coordination post for Lebaran holiday transport opened at Benoa Port’s domestic departure terminal on 13 March and will remain operational until 30 March 2026. The post serves as a service coordination centre, overseeing operational supervision and monitoring of vessel and passenger movements throughout the 2026 Lebaran holiday period.