Indonesia’s ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said traffic along the busy Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing remained under control on Sunday, even as the peak return flow following Eid al-Fitr began to intensify.
Thousands of vehicles heading back to Bali formed long but steadily moving queues at Ketapang Port, reflecting a surge that officials say has been building over the past week.
State-owned operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said it had deployed full operational capacity to manage the influx.
“Amid the surge in public movement, we are ensuring optimal service,” Deputy President Director Yossianis Marciano said. “Our fleet is on full alert, traffic management has been maximized, and coordination with relevant agencies continues to be strengthened.”
Traffic volumes began climbing from March 23 (D+1) and peaked on March 28 (D+6), when 15,781 vehicles and 49,523 passengers crossed in a single day, according to company data.
Advance booking figures from ASDP’s Ferizy platform indicate sustained pressure on the route. Between March 11 (D-10) and April 1 (D+10), total reservations at Ketapang Port reached 148,054 vehicles. As of D+6, 135,256 vehicles had been processed, leaving nearly 12,800 still scheduled to arrive—suggesting that congestion risks remain in the coming days.
Data for March 29 (D+7) showed continued heavy movement. Between midnight and noon, 22,804 passengers crossed, along with 6,401 vehicles, including motorcycles, private cars, buses and freight trucks.
Cumulatively, from March 22 through midday March 29, about 97,683 vehicles—roughly 59% of the projected total—and 314,491 passengers, or 61%, had returned to Bali.
Queues Moving Despite Congestion
On the ground, conditions reflected the typical post-holiday rush: families traveling with luggage, children resting in cars, and truck drivers waiting for loading slots. Despite the density, vehicle flow remained steady.
ASDP said it prioritized passenger vehicles – motorcycles, private cars and buses – to speed up family travel, while freight traffic was managed more flexibly.
“When traffic is heavy, logistics vehicles are directed to buffer zones such as Bulusan, Sri Tanjung Terminal and the Pusri area,” said Arief Eko, general manager of ASDP’s Ketapang branch. “They are gradually released once conditions ease.”
Up to 32 vessels are currently in operation on the route, with 18 using a rapid turnaround “arrival–unload–departure” pattern. Additional holding areas, including Grand Watudodol and Bulusan, have been activated to absorb overflow traffic.
Port occupancy has reached about 90%, though officials said loading operations at all berths continue without major disruption.
Safety and Planning Urged
ASDP urged travelers to plan ahead as the return period continues. “We encourage passengers to purchase tickets through Ferizy, schedule their departures carefully, and ensure they are physically prepared for the journey,” Yossi said.
The company said it expects elevated traffic levels to persist through the end of the return period, underscoring the importance of staggered travel and coordinated traffic management.