Transport Minister: Gilimanuk Congestion Beginning to Ease, Vehicle Queues Reducing
JAKARTA – The Ministry of Transport, together with relevant stakeholders, continues to resolve congestion and vehicle queue density along the route to Gilimanuk Port, Bali. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that vehicle queues are now gradually easing, with the queue length reducing to approximately 8 kilometres.
Previously, severe vehicle congestion occurred on Sunday (15 March 2026) with queue lengths exceeding 20 kilometres. Dudy described the incident as a learning experience to prevent recurrence in the future.
“We are working to find solutions and mitigate conditions on the ground. This is a lesson so that congestion at Gilimanuk does not happen again in the future. I greatly appreciate the efforts already made so that congestion that reached 20 kilometres is now beginning to ease and reduce to approximately 8 kilometres,” said Dudy while inspecting Gilimanuk Port, Bali, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
Dudy stated that the Ministry of Transport has implemented several measures to address congestion at Gilimanuk through collaboration with Korlantas Polri and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry.
These measures include operating large-capacity vessels, increasing the fleet to 35 ships, optimising buffer zones, and implementing an arrival-unloading-departure (TBB) system on 25 ships to accelerate service processes.
“Through these measures, it is hoped that congestion can be reduced, traffic flow can return to normal, and queues can be resolved before Nyepi Day,” said Dudy.
Additionally, Dudy urged logistics transport operators to comply with a Joint Ministerial Decision (SKB) that regulates operational restrictions for three-axle and larger freight transport vehicles.
According to him, the continued operation of many three-axle and larger logistics trucks during the Lebaran transport period has contributed to congestion and long queues around Gilimanuk Port.
“Further mitigation measures will be implemented if there are still vehicles that have not been transported by Nyepi Day,” he said.
Dudy explained that small vehicles and buses will be prioritised for crossing, given the relatively large number of passengers in both vehicle types.
Meanwhile, large vehicles that are delayed will be diverted to buffer zones. Drivers will be transported to Banyuwangi whilst awaiting the completion of the Nyepi celebration.
He assured that drivers of large vehicles will not be charged transportation costs from Gilimanuk to Banyuwangi or vice versa. Accommodation costs will also be provided by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry.
Dudy added that preparations have also been made at Ketapang Port to ensure smooth vehicle flow arriving from Gilimanuk.
“At Ketapang, there is already a functional toll section from Besuki. With this toll road, it is hoped that vehicle flow from Gilimanuk can be distributed. Additionally, several buffer zones have been prepared as rest areas and vehicle holding facilities,” said Dudy.