Gilimanuk Port Congestion Cleared as Indonesia Prepares for Eid al-Fitr Travel Surge

Gilimanuk Port, a key ferry gateway connecting Bali and Java, has overcome significant vehicle congestion, Indonesian authorities announced Wednesday. The clearance comes as the nation prepares for a substantial increase in travel ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a major holiday period.

Congestion Resolved Through Collaborative Efforts

According to a statement from state ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, the situation stabilized following intensified coordination between transport authorities, police, and port operators. As of 4:30 p.m. Local time on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, monitoring showed no vehicles queuing outside the port area, with all traffic redirected into designated cargo buffer zones.

“This queue reduction is the result of collaborative efforts, from optimising ship operations to managing traffic and maximising the buffer zone,” said Deputy President Director Yossianis Marciano.

15-Minute Unloading Scheme Implemented

The Ministry of Transportation has implemented an accelerated ship loading and unloading scheme to further alleviate congestion. This includes a shortened arrival-unloading-departure (TBB) system, now taking just 15 minutes, significantly reducing port turnaround times. As of 4:00 p.m. Local time on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, all vehicles were accommodated within the buffer zone, eliminating roadside congestion, according to Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan.

Currently, 40 ships are operating on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route, with 30 utilizing the accelerated TBB system.

Ferry Services to Temporarily Suspend for Nyepi Day

While efforts are underway to manage the Eid al-Fitr travel surge, it’s important to note that ferry services between Java, Bali, and Lombok will be temporarily suspended to observe Nyepi Day, the Hindu Day of Silence. Operations at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi will cease on March 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. And resume on March 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. Gilimanuk Port will close from March 19, 2026, at 5 a.m., reopening on March 20, 2026, at 6 p.m.

To mitigate potential gridlock during the shutdown, the government has implemented a “delaying system” utilizing buffer zones and geofencing technology within a 2-kilometer radius of the ports.

Passenger Numbers Up Compared to Last Year

Data from Gilimanuk Port recorded 144 ferry trips between midnight and 2:00 p.m. On March 18, 2026, with passenger crossings from Bali to Java reaching 48,230 – a 37.4% increase compared to the same period last year.