Respect Nyepi, ASDP Temporarily Suspends Jawa–Bali–Lombok Ferry Routes

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has temporarily halted ferry services on the main Java–Bali and Lombok crossing routes during Nyepi as a mark of respect for Catur Brata Penyepian and as part of national transport arrangements. The stoppage was issued based on a directive from the Ministry of Transport through the Directorate General of Land Transportation, with schedule adjustments implemented at several major ports.

At Ketapang Port, services have been suspended from 18 March 17:00 WIB to 20 March 06:00 WIB. At Gilimanuk Port, the suspension runs from 19 March 05:00 WITA to 20 March 06:00 WITA. At Lembar Port, operations cease from 18 March 21:00 WITA to 20 March 01:30 WITA. At Padangbai Port, the closure is from 19 March 04:00 WITA to 20 March 11:30 WITA.

Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, said the adjustments also take into account Nyepi in close proximity to the Lebaran 2026 period, with the government forecasting mobility surges on 13–29 March.

To anticipate congestion, the government is optimising MB and LCM wharves on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing and opening alternative routes Tanjung Wangi–Gilimas and Jangkar–Lembar. In addition, a delaying system via buffer zones on tol and non-tol corridors, and geofencing with radii of 2.65 kilometres from Ketapang Port and 2 kilometres from Gilimanuk Port will be implemented.

ASDP Chief Executive Officer Heru Widodo emphasised that safety of customers remains the company’s top priority, noting that ASDP is enhancing operational readiness to ensure smooth flows of vehicles and passengers during the mudik period.

ASDP is also coordinating with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding potential extreme weather. BMKG forecasts predict heavy rainfall remains a possibility across Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara. From March to April, seas of moderate height (1.25–2.5 metres) are expected in the southern waters from Java to East Nusa Tenggara.

As a mitigation measure, ASDP has mobilised tugboats to assist with vessel manoeuvring during strong winds and currents. On the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route, the number of vessels has increased from 28 to 32.

For Lebaran 2026, ASDP projects national movement of 5.8 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles. On the Java–Bali corridor, passenger numbers are expected to rise by about 10 percent and vehicle volumes by 9.3 percent. Conversely, the Bali–Java return flow is also projected to rise, with 9.5 percent more passengers and 8.7 percent more vehicles.

ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale noted that the company is preparing 350 personnel at Ketapang Port and 250 personnel at Gilimanuk Port, with staff deployed at ports, buffer zones and other critical points.

ASDP urges the public to purchase tickets via the official Ferizy platform, which can be booked from 60 days before departure. Through this service, customers are offered refunds with a 25 percent deduction and rescheduling with a 10 percent deduction.

With strengthened operations and digitalisation of services, ASDP aims to keep mudik and balik flows for 2026 under control during Nyepi.