Additional vessels and operational adjustments help restore normal traffic flows after a surge in passenger and vehicle demand on the Padang Bai–Lembar crossing
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) said ferry operations on the Padang Bai–Lembar route linking Bali and Lombok have returned to normal after the company deployed additional vessels and adjusted operations to address congestion caused by a surge in passenger and vehicle traffic over the weekend.
Vehicle queues heading to Padang Bai Port in Bali reached about three kilometers at their peak on Sunday, as increased demand strained ferry services on one of Indonesia’s busiest inter-island crossings.
The traffic buildup began on Friday and intensified over the weekend after the temporary suspension of vessels operated by PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP) on the Tanjung Wangi, Banyuwangi–Gili Mas, Lombok route, diverting some traffic to the Padang Bai–Lembar crossing.
ASDP said it coordinated with regulators, including the Regional Ferry Port Authority (BPTD) and the Port Authority (KSOP), to monitor traffic conditions and implement measures aimed at increasing transport capacity and reducing waiting times.
“We continuously monitored traffic developments in real time together with regulators. When the increase in traffic became significant, we immediately adjusted operational patterns by increasing service capacity and shortening port times to improve traffic flow,” ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said in a statement.
Among the measures introduced was the reduction of vessel turnaround times at ports to approximately 1.5 hours, enabling ferries to complete more trips and transport additional passengers and vehicles.
To strengthen services, operators gradually increased the number of vessels on the route. Two additional ferries began operating on Friday, followed by another vessel on Saturday.
As congestion peaked on Sunday, ferry operators deployed additional vessels, including KMP Naraya and KMP Shita Giri Nusa, to support operations on the route.
Further reinforcements were added from Sunday night through Monday morning with the deployment of KMP Parama Kalyani, KMP Sindu Dwitama, and KMP Athayana, helping to increase carrying capacity and accelerate the movement of queued vehicles.
Handoyo Priyanto, General Manager of ASDP’s Lembar Branch, said the measures helped ease congestion beginning on Sunday night, with conditions continuing to improve into Monday.
“Queue conditions gradually improved following the additional operational support. Traffic flows for passengers and vehicles on the Padang Bai–Lembar route have now returned to normal, and ferry services are operating as scheduled,” Handoyo said.
The Padang Bai–Lembar crossing is currently served by 24 vessels, including ASDP-operated ferries KMP Roditha and KMP Portlink II. Four vessels are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and docking activities to ensure operational safety and reliability, the company said.
The route plays a critical role in connecting Bali and Lombok, supporting passenger mobility, logistics distribution, tourism activity, and regional trade.
According to ASDP data, the Padang Bai–Lembar route handled 122,748 passengers and 271,707 vehicles during the January–May 2026 period.
The company said it would continue coordinating with regulators and vessel operators to maintain service reliability and ensure sufficient transport capacity amid fluctuations in demand.
“As part of Indonesia’s national connectivity network, we remain committed to providing safe, smooth, and reliable ferry services by strengthening operational capacity and collaboration with all stakeholders,” Handoyo said.