More than 200,000 travelers have crossed from Bali to Java as of Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the Eid homecoming period gains momentum. Authorities are implementing measures to manage the increased traffic flow, including a new vehicle scheme and plans to deploy larger ferries.
Managing Congestion on the Bali-Java Route
The surge in travelers began on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and has prompted the implementation of an arrive-unload-depart (TBB) scheme by ASDP Ketapang Branch to alleviate congestion. Currently, 11 out of 35 operating ferries on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route are utilizing this system.
“The TBB scheme is implemented with the pattern of ships only unloading cargo at Ketapang Port without the loading process, then immediately sailing back to Gilimanuk to carry the next vehicles,” said Arief Eko, General Manager of ASDP Ketapang Branch.
ASDP Indonesia Ferry Ketapang Branch is also planning to add larger ferries, around 2,000 Gross Tonnage (GT), to the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route to increase vehicle capacity without increasing the total number of ferries in operation.
Passenger and Vehicle Numbers
Cumulative data from March 12th to March 15th shows over 200,000 passengers, more than 35,000 motorcycles, and approximately 17,000 small vehicles have crossed through Gilimanuk Port. Motorcycle traffic has increased by about 32 percent compared to the same period last year, while four-wheeled vehicle traffic is up by 11 percent.
Authorities predict the flow of vehicles from Bali to Java will continue to increase until March 17th, particularly before the closing of crossings from March 18th-20th due to Nyepi.
Government Oversight and Traveler Experiences
Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana inspected congestion on the route to Gilimanuk Port on Sunday night, holding a coordination meeting with port authorities to expedite the flow of vehicles.
Travelers reported significant delays. Kholik, 25, who departed from Canggu, Bali, on March 12th, waited over 10 hours before boarding a ferry at Gilimanuk Port. Heri, 45, experienced a traffic jam exceeding 30 kilometers, with vehicles at a standstill for several hours between 3 AM and 9 AM.
Heri also noted chaotic traffic conditions, with vehicles overtaking each other in the queue, contributing to the congestion.
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