Vehicle Queue at Gilimanuk Port Reaches 10 Kilometres
A surge in homebound travellers heading to Gilimanuk Port, Bali, triggered extensive vehicle queues reaching approximately 10 kilometres on Saturday (14 March).
Police working with related agencies immediately implemented traffic management and engineering measures to ease congestion on the crossing route to Java Island.
The Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) and Jembrana District Police (Polres Jembrana) responded swiftly to the situation, including regulating vehicle flow along the main Denpasar-Gilimanuk route.
Brigadier General Soelistijono, Head of the Bali Regional Police Operations Bureau and Operations Commander for Operation Ketupat Agung-2026, instructed all personnel deployed on the route to take strategic steps to manage traffic flow. One key measure implemented was the temporary suspension of large lorry movements towards the port.
“Specifically, three-axle lorries heading to Gilimanuk Port. Large empty lorries are being directed to designated parking bays that have been prepared to avoid adding to congestion on the main port route,” said Brigadier General Soelistijono in a statement on Saturday (14 March).
According to reports from personnel of the Road Traffic Safety and Order Task Force during Operation Ketupat Agung-2026, by 11:00 WITA the vehicle queue to Gilimanuk Port had reached approximately 10 kilometres, extending specifically to Sumber Sari Village, Jembrana Regency.
The traffic congestion was predominantly composed of lorries and private vehicles belonging to homebound travellers intending to cross to Java Island.
In response to these conditions, Bali Regional Police personnel working with Jembrana District Police collaborated with various related agencies to implement traffic regulation and engineering measures along the main route to Gilimanuk Port.
“These efforts are being undertaken to accelerate the clearance of the rather lengthy vehicle queue,” he added.
Beyond the main route, traffic engineering measures were also applied at Gilimanuk Cargo Terminal. Police personnel provided special attention to ease congestion of vehicles heading to the port area.
To support congestion clearance, personnel from Denpasar City Police (Polresta Denpasar), Badung District Police (Polres Badung), and Tabanan District Police (Polres Tabanan) were also asked to implement similar measures in their respective areas to manage vehicle flow towards Jembrana from the source areas.
Large lorry movement management during this homebound travel period was conducted pursuant to a Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) regarding Traffic and Crossing Regulation during the 2026 Eid holiday transport period.
Additionally, Jembrana District Police coordinated with PT ASDP to ensure ferries operating the Gilimanuk-Ketapang route implement an Arrive-Unload-Depart (TBB) system.
“Through this system, ferries arriving at Ketapang Port (Banyuwangi, East Java) immediately conduct unloading operations and rapidly return to Gilimanuk to accelerate homebound traveller crossing services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ariasandy, Head of Public Relations for Bali Regional Police and Task Force Communications Commander for Operation Ketupat Agung-2026, appealed to homebound travellers to comply with field officer instructions for traffic flow efficiency.
“We appeal to all homebound travellers to follow instructions and regulations provided by field officers. These traffic engineering efforts are being undertaken to maintain safety, order, and smooth travel for those intending to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family in their home towns,” he said.
He also reminded drivers to maintain physical fitness during travel and ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition.
“Public patience and cooperation are essential so that homebound travel can proceed safely, in an orderly manner, and smoothly,” he said.