Gilimanuk, Bali – Travelers faced significant delays and congestion at the Port of Gilimanuk, Bali, on Monday as a surge in passengers began their mudik (exodus) ahead of the Lebaran holiday. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), the state-owned ferry operator, has issued an apology for the disruptions, attributing them to a higher-than-anticipated volume of travelers heading to Java. The situation underscores the perennial challenges of managing mass transportation during peak seasons in Indonesia, and the company is implementing measures to alleviate the bottlenecks.
As of H-7 Lebaran 2026 – March 9th – a total of 152,224 people had already left Bali via ferry, according to data from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry’s Lebaran Transportation Post. This figure represents the cumulative number of passengers traveling on the Gilimanuk-Ketapang route over the preceding ten days. The increased traffic is compounded by the impending closure of ferry services in anticipation of Hari Raya Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, scheduled for Wednesday-Friday, March 18th-20th. The combination of mudik and the Nyepi travel window has created a concentrated period of high demand.
Addressing the Congestion: Operational Adjustments at Gilimanuk and Ketapang
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is actively working to mitigate the congestion, implementing a series of operational adjustments. A key strategy involves the full implementation of a ‘Tiba-Bongkar-Berangkat’ (TBB) – arrive, unload, depart – policy at Pier III of the Ketapang Port in East Java. This means that ferries arriving at Ketapang will prioritize offloading passengers and vehicles without loading new cargo, streamlining the turnaround process and increasing the frequency of crossings. The TBB policy was initiated on March 15th, 2026, as a direct response to the growing queues at Gilimanuk.
Windy Andale, Corporate Secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), stated that the company is coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Authority (KSOP), the Indonesian Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and local governments, to optimize operational arrangements and maintain traffic flow within the port areas. According to reports from ABNnews, these collaborative efforts are beginning to show positive results, with vehicle queues at Gilimanuk gradually easing.
Increased Ferry Capacity and Fleet Deployment
To further enhance capacity, ASDP has increased the number of ferries operating on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route to 35 vessels, running 24 hours a day. This represents an increase of seven ferries from the usual fleet of 28. The expanded fleet comprises 19 Moveable Bridge (MB) type vessels, 11 Landing Craft Machine (LCM) vessels, and three additional LCM vessels deployed to expedite services. The company is prioritizing the use of LCM vessels for logistical transport, separating large vehicles from passenger traffic to improve overall efficiency.
The operational adjustments are supported by the utilization of 17 active piers: nine at the Ketapang Port (four MB, three LCM, one pontoon, and one Bulusan) and eight at the Gilimanuk Port (four MB and four LCM). The strategic deployment of LCM vessels to handle logistical cargo is intended to ensure the continued distribution of goods while minimizing disruption to passenger travel. This separation of traffic types is a crucial element of the congestion management plan.
The Importance of Gilimanuk Port and Lebaran Travel
The Port of Gilimanuk, located on the western tip of Bali, serves as a critical transportation hub connecting the island to Java. According to ASDP’s corporate website, the port is a vital link in Indonesia’s inter-island ferry network. The annual mudik period, associated with the Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) celebration, represents the busiest time of year for the port, as millions of Indonesians travel to their hometowns to spend the holiday with family. The Lebaran holiday is a significant cultural event in Indonesia, and the smooth functioning of transportation infrastructure is essential for facilitating the safe and efficient movement of travelers.
The challenges faced at Gilimanuk highlight the broader logistical complexities of managing mass transportation in Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation with a large population. The government and transportation operators are continually seeking ways to improve infrastructure, optimize operations, and enhance the travel experience for millions of mudik participants. The implementation of the TBB policy and the increase in ferry capacity are examples of proactive measures taken to address the immediate congestion, but long-term solutions will require sustained investment in port infrastructure and transportation technology.
The situation at Gilimanuk is being closely monitored by authorities, and further adjustments to operational procedures may be implemented as needed. Travelers are advised to check the latest travel advisories and plan their journeys accordingly. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is providing regular updates on the situation through its official channels, and passengers are encouraged to stay informed about potential delays and disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Significant Congestion: The Port of Gilimanuk is experiencing heavy congestion due to a surge in mudik travelers ahead of Lebaran and the upcoming Nyepi holiday.
- ASDP Response: PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has apologized for the inconvenience and is implementing measures to alleviate the congestion, including the TBB policy and increased ferry capacity.
- Increased Ferry Fleet: The number of ferries operating on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route has been increased to 35, with a focus on separating logistical cargo from passenger traffic.
- Ongoing Coordination: ASDP is coordinating with various stakeholders, including the police and local governments, to optimize traffic flow and ensure the smooth operation of the port.
The next update from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry regarding the situation at Gilimanuk is expected on March 18th, coinciding with the start of the Hari Raya Nyepi closure. Travelers planning to use the Gilimanuk-Ketapang route are encouraged to monitor the company’s website and social media channels for the latest information. We invite readers to share their experiences and perspectives on the mudik travel situation in the comments below.