Ferry services connecting Java, Bali and Lombok will temporarily be suspended during Nyepi Day, the Hindu Day of Silence, as authorities adjust transport operations during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr travel period.
State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry said services on key crossings would stop for several hours to respect the island’s religious observance, when most activities across Bali cease for 24 hours.
The temporary halt follows a regulation issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation through its Directorate General of Land Transportation governing ferry operations during Nyepi.
Ferry operations will be suspended at several ports:
- Ketapang Port, East Java: from 5:00 p.m. WIB on March 18 to 6:00 a.m. WIB on March 20
- Gilimanuk Port, Bali: from 5:00 a.m. WITA on March 19 to 6:00 a.m. WITA on March 20
- Lembar Port, Lombok: from 9:00 p.m. WITA on March 18 to 1:30 a.m. WITA on March 20
- Padangbai Port, Bali: from 4:00 a.m. WITA on March 19 to 11:30 a.m. WITA on March 20
Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan said the adjustments were necessary because Nyepi falls within the peak travel window for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Authorities expect a sharp increase in mobility between March 13 and March 29 and have introduced traffic management measures to maintain smooth transport flows.
These include optimizing ferry operations at multiple piers along the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route and opening alternative crossings from Tanjung Wangi Port to Gilimas Port, as well as from Jangkar Port to Lembar Port.
“This measure aims to distribute vehicle flows so traffic remains smooth, safe and controlled during the peak homecoming period,” Aan said.
Authorities will also implement traffic delay systems through buffer zones on toll and non-toll roads and geofencing areas within 2.65 km of Ketapang Port and 2 km of Gilimanuk Port.
Operator Boosts Readiness
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said the company had strengthened operational readiness ahead of the holiday season.
“We continue to prioritize passenger safety while ensuring ferry services remain reliable during the holiday travel period,” Heru said.
The company is also coordinating with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency to monitor potential extreme weather.
Forecasts indicate high rainfall in parts of Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and the Papua Highlands, while moderate sea waves of 1.25 to 2.5 meters are expected in waters south of Java and East Nusa Tenggara between March and April.
To mitigate risks, ASDP has prepared tugboats to assist vessels navigating strong winds and currents. The number of vessels operating on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route has also been increased from 28 to 32.
Passenger Numbers Expected to Rise
ASDP estimates total ferry traffic during the Eid holiday period will reach about 5.8 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles nationwide.
On the Java–Bali route, passenger numbers are expected to rise by around 10% and vehicle traffic by 9.3% compared with the previous year. Return traffic from Bali to Java is also projected to grow, with passenger numbers increasing by about 9.5% and vehicles by 8.7%.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the company and relevant authorities had deployed additional personnel to manage the surge in travelers.
Around 350 personnel have been assigned at Ketapang Port and 250 at Gilimanuk Port, stationed across port facilities, buffer zones and other key points.
Windy urged travelers to purchase tickets through ASDP’s Ferizy platform, which allows bookings up to 60 days in advance.
“Avoid purchasing tickets through scalpers and ensure personal information is entered correctly to ensure a smooth travel process,” she said.
Passengers using the platform can also access flexible travel options, including partial refunds and rescheduling.