Thousands of Vehicles Depart Bali, 31-Kilometre Queue Extends from Gilimanuk Port
The congestion of travellers departing Bali has exceeded 20,000 people since Friday, 13 March 2026. On Friday afternoon and evening, no obstacles were reported at Gilimanuk Port. However, from Saturday, 14 March 2026, traffic congestion began extending to 14 kilometres. By Sunday, 15 March 2026, congestion worsened significantly, reaching 31 kilometres by 21:00 WITA. Due to congestion affecting motorcycles, cars, and public transport vehicles, the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) were deployed to manage traffic extending into the Mendoyo district of Jembrana, Bali.
The Head of Public Relations for Polda Bali, Kombes Pol Ariasandy, confirmed that the Bali Regional Police moved swiftly to clear the lengthy vehicle queues reaching approximately 31 kilometres towards Gilimanuk Port on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Through traffic management, queue engineering, and implementation of delay systems for heavy vehicles, police sought to maintain smooth traffic flow for vehicles exiting Bali.
“The situation at Bali’s exit via Gilimanuk Port on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 12:00 WITA showed a significant increase. Parking areas within the port were reported to be completely full with vehicles dominated by logistics transport, private vehicles, and motorcycles,” he stated.
He confirmed that vehicle queues had extended into Negara District, with queue lengths estimated at approximately 31 kilometres from the port. Facing this surge in vehicle traffic, Polda Bali personnel along with Jembrana Police engaged in Operation Ketupat Agung 2026, immediately implementing field response measures.
Officers conducted traffic management and engineering measures along the port access route to maintain smooth vehicle flow. Personnel were stationed at several congestion points to regulate traffic while providing guidance to road users to remain orderly and follow officer instructions.
Additionally, intensive coordination was conducted with relevant agencies including ASDP Indonesia Ferry, Harbour Authority and Port Authority (KSOP), TNI, UPP, BPTD, and the Department of Transportation for managing vehicles entering the port area.
Ferry operations were currently served by 31 vessel units. One ferry also implemented a Rapid Turnaround (TBB) pattern at Ketapang Port to accelerate vehicle loading and unloading processes, thereby gradually easing congestion.
To reduce vehicle burden towards Gilimanuk, officers also implemented restrictions on three-axle and larger vehicles in the Denpasar, Badung and Tabanan areas. Vehicles were diverted to buffer zones to implement delay systems before continuing to the port.
Officers also conducted regular patrols along the queue routes to prevent vehicles from cutting in line, whilst ensuring vehicle flow remained orderly.
Polda Bali continued to optimise field management to accelerate queue clearance. “Our personnel along with relevant agencies continue to conduct traffic management and engineering, including implementing delay systems for three-axle and larger vehicles. This is done to reduce vehicle congestion towards Gilimanuk Port whilst accelerating the ferry process,” he stated.
He also urged all drivers to remain orderly in following officer instructions and comply with regulations during the 2026 Lebaran transport season.
He explained that coordination involved various law enforcement elements. What needs to be added is not vessels, but rather docks—approximately 2-5 pairs—to accommodate 28 idle ships so they can be utilised at full capacity.