State ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry said it had intensified measures to manage a surge in traffic on the busy Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing during the Eid al-Fitr return period, prioritising safety and smoother flows.
The company said it was coordinating with multiple agencies and deploying adaptive operating plans to keep services running normally, while preparing contingency steps in case of congestion or bad weather.
“We urge passengers to avoid travelling during peak return dates, which are forecast on March 24, 28 and 29,” Deputy President Director Yossianis Marciano said in a statement.
He added that mitigation measures could be activated quickly if traffic surges, including an Arrival-Unload-Departure system allowing vessels to depart without waiting to reach full capacity in order to ease queues.
Authorities have also prepared buffer zones to manage vehicle build-up before entering ports, including the Grand Watudodol and Bulusan areas, with capacity for around 900 private vehicles and buses. Separate holding areas for logistics trucks can accommodate about 600 units.
ASDP said 55 vessels were ready for the route, with 28 to 32 operating daily depending on traffic conditions.
Police officials said safety remained the top priority. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said flexible work arrangements could help reduce congestion during peak periods, while East Java Police Chief Nanang Avianto reiterated that “safety comes first.”
Data from Ketapang port showed 177 sailings in the 24 hours to March 23, carrying 38,212 passengers, up 0.7% from a year earlier. Motorcycle traffic rose 34.2% to 6,534 units, while cars fell 12.9% to 4,290 units.
Truck traffic increased 30% to 464 units and buses rose 9.6% to 283 units, bringing total vehicles to 11,571, up 10.5% year-on-year.
Cumulative passenger numbers from 10 days before Eid to one day after reached 285,104, down 1.5% from last year, while total vehicles rose 1.2% to 63,085.
Ketapang general manager Arief Eko said operations remained at full readiness, including traffic management in buffer zones and faster loading and unloading.
“We are ensuring services remain optimal despite increased traffic,” he said.