Preparations for Lebaran Return Peak: Ketapang-Gilimanuk Crossing Prioritises Private Vehicles
The Ministry of Transportation is refining its strategy to handle the peak return flow of the second wave on 28-29 March 2026 on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java. This is to ensure smooth crossings and anticipate vehicle density.
Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Aan Suhanan, stated that his team, along with relevant stakeholders, has held a coordination meeting to finalise strategies for facing the peak return flow on that route.
“We must prioritise crossing services from Ketapang to Gilimanuk during this return flow. The arrive-unload-depart (TBB) mechanism requires quick decisions and must not be delayed according to field conditions,” said Aan in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday (28/3/2026).
He emphasised that evaluations from the previous outbound flow necessitate the optimisation of buffer zones and delaying systems to disperse queues of vehicles heading to the port area.
“Readiness of buffer zones is key and must be utilised as best as possible. Similarly, the regulation of two-axle goods vehicles not subject to restrictions needs attention to ensure smooth operations,” said Aan.
For buffer zones, four-wheeled vehicles and buses are allocated to Gran Watudodol and Bulusan Parking Lot. Meanwhile, goods vehicles are directed to the Sri Tanjung buffer zone as well as PT Pusri and Pelindo parking lots.
Additionally, another strategy involves ferry operations. Under normal conditions, 28 ferries operate. For dense conditions, 30 ferries operate, and for very dense conditions, there will be 32 ferries.
“If very necessary, the number of ferries can be increased to 35 up to 40, and there will be two support ferries with capacities of 60 to 80 vehicles,” he added.
Furthermore, he said that based on data collected by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, from H+1 to H+3 Lebaran, the number of vehicles that have crossed to Bali totals 41,526 units, with breakdowns as follows: two-wheeled vehicles 24,093 units (25%), four-wheeled vehicles 14,179 units (34%), buses 927 units (20%), and trucks 2,327 units (17%).
“From that total, there are still 114,255 vehicles (73%) that have not crossed to Bali, and ASDP predicts the highest return flow will occur on H+6 or 28 March 2026,” he explained.
To realise a return flow that is safe, secure, and smooth, Aan emphasised the need for good communication and synergy among port operators, TNI/Polri, Transport Agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.