Queue to Gilimanuk Port Reaches 25 Km as Three-Axle Trucks Continue to Pass Through
Traffic flow towards Gilimanuk Port, in Jembrana Regency, Bali, has experienced severe congestion during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with vehicle queues stretching for dozens of kilometres due to a combination of increased vehicle volume and the continued operation of three-axle trucks on the route.
Monitoring by detikBali on Saturday (14 March 2026) at 08:00 Wita showed vehicle queues had already reached the Tuwed area in Melaya Subdistrict, approximately 25 kilometres from Gilimanuk Port.
However, a peculiar sight emerged when entering Pasar Melaya through to the Hutan Cekik Gilimanuk junction. Traffic flow appeared remarkably clear, indicating the presence of a bottleneck in specific areas.
Yogik, a traveller from Banyuwangi, reported spending many hours to reach the Gilimanuk area. Having departed Denpasar on Friday afternoon, he chose to rest in Negara due to exhaustion from travelling with children.
“I left again at 03:00 Wita, and by 08:30 Wita I had only reached the Hutan Cekik junction. I was stuck in severe congestion in the Melaya area,” Yogik told detikBali on Saturday.
Similarly, Lukman Hadi, heading to Situbondo, reported being held up in the early hours. He chose to rest, expecting the congestion to extend all the way to the port.
“I thought the congestion was very long, so I rested first in Melaya. Surprisingly, after driving again, from Melaya to Gilimanuk it was actually quite clear,” said Lukman.
In addition to the surge in exodus traffic, the presence of three-axle articulated trucks on the Denpasar–Gilimanuk route emerged as a primary cause of congestion. Smaller vehicles struggle to overtake these large trucks. Furthermore, several truck drivers who fell asleep whilst queuing also temporarily impeded traffic flow behind them.
Jembrana Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Kadek Citra Dewi Suparwati, explained that vehicles experiencing technical difficulties also worsened the situation.
“Last night a trailer truck experienced problems before entering the Hutan Cekik area. That obstructed traffic. Repairs and towing have already been carried out. We ask the public to ensure their vehicles are in good condition because breakdowns greatly impede traffic behind,” explained Citra in a separate confirmation.
Police have undertaken various measures to ease congestion. Large trucks are now being directed to the UPPKB Cekik Gilimanuk parking facility. Meanwhile, motorcycles and private cars are being directed to the Terminal Cargo Gilimanuk parking facility.
Citra stressed that police had coordinated with the Denpasar, Badung, and Tabanan police commands to restrict three-axle truck operations.
“We have already coordinated cross-sectoral measures in the eastern region to restrict trucks, particularly three-axle vehicles. Today traffic has improved significantly, with 32 vessels already operating and four vessels having completed loading, unloading and departure,” explained Citra.
“We urge the public to follow officer instructions and not cut through lanes or travel against traffic. Also ensure your vehicles are in good condition to prevent breakdowns on the road. Additionally, rest in designated locations,” she concluded.