Transport Minister explains understanding of migrant criticism during Ketapang Port inspection

Jakarta — Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandha stated that he understood the criticism from migrants during an inspection at Ketapang Port, acknowledging the extended vehicle queues whilst reiterating that his visit aimed to accelerate congestion management ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“So perhaps because yesterday the migrants had been waiting for a long time, they were somewhat frustrated perhaps, but I also understand that,” the Transport Minister said when met by media following the release of participants in the Presisi Free Mudik programme of the National Police at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He made this statement when media confirmed the migrants’ criticism of Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandha and his delegation during an inspection of the 1447 Hijri Eid transport arrangements at Ketapang Port, Banguwanhi, on Tuesday (17 March).

Dudy explained that his visit to Ketapang aimed to continue travelling to Gilimanuk to coordinate regarding the congestion occurring in the ferry crossing area. Given the queue conditions, the Transport Ministry delegation decided not to use vehicles for crossing and instead chose to proceed as pedestrian passengers.

He explained that crossing as pedestrians allowed for faster travel because they were not bound by vehicle queues, enabling coordination to be conducted promptly at the next destination. This step was taken to ensure that coordination at Gilimanuk could be immediately implemented to address congestion that could potentially increase ahead of Nyepi Day in the area.