Gilimanuk Port Queue Stretched 2.5 km Before Easing on September 19

Gilimanuk — — A vehicle queue approaching Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana, western Bali, stretched to around 2.5 kilometres on Saturday, 19 September 2026, reaching the Gilimanuk fuel station, according to local police quoted by DetikBali. Officers later reported that by about 3 p.m. WITA the line had shortened to roughly 700 metres from the port entrance.

The congestion was linked to high traffic volumes, the application of the Tiba Bongkar Berangkat (TBB, Arrive–Unload–Depart) operating pattern and ongoing pier revitalisation works at the Gilimanuk–Ketapang crossing, according to the Gilimanuk Port police chief AKP Gusti Kade Alit Murdiasa as reported by DetikBali. DetikBali noted that queues had already begun extending along the Denpasar–Gilimanuk national road from Friday afternoon, 18 September.

The TBB scheme was introduced while queues on the Java side at Ketapang Port exceeded 10 kilometres, Murdiasa said, adding that police personnel were deployed to manage traffic and help disperse the buildup. Earlier in the week, other reports had also described long lines of vehicles approaching Gilimanuk amid adjustments to ferry operations and pier capacity.

Ferry operations and traveller advice

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), the state-owned operator of the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route, said it had optimised services on the Bali Strait crossing to speed up the dispersal of vehicle queues that had lasted several days. ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale stated that 24 vessels were deployed on the route, consisting of 22 regular ferries and two additional large-capacity ships, with operations adjusted dynamically to conditions.

According to ASDP statements cited by JPNN Bali and other outlets, sailing patterns are being set based on weather, wave and wind conditions, currents, tides, and the readiness of vessels and port facilities. Operational decisions are coordinated with regulators including the Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) and the Land Transportation Management Agency (BPTD), with safety identified as the primary consideration.

Travellers using the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing are advised to allow extra time in case of congestion and to follow instructions from port and traffic officers. Police in Gilimanuk have urged motorists not to cut into queues or force their way forward, stressing that orderly driving helps prevent additional delays and improves safety in the busy approach roads.

In Jembrana, local reports described queues of vehicles approaching Gilimanuk Port as “not as severe” as those at Ketapang, but still long enough to affect traffic in the town and along the main national road. ASDP and local authorities indicated that efforts to clear the accumulated queues would continue through the weekend, with conditions depending on traffic demand, marine conditions, vessel availability and the progress of pier work.

Reported queue indicators

• Maximum reported queue near Gilimanuk on 19 September: about 2.5 kilometres from the port gate to near the Gilimanuk fuel station, according to police quoted by DetikBali.
• Queue reported at about 3 p.m. WITA on 19 September: around 700 metres from the port entrance, according to the same police source.
• Vessels deployed by ASDP on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing around 18–19 September: 24 ferries, including 22 regular vessels and two large-capacity support ships, according to ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale.
• Queues reported at Ketapang: long lines of mainly logistics trucks on access roads, with separate reports citing lengths of several kilometres as of 18–19 September.

Context

The latest reports indicate that the queues at Gilimanuk on 19 September developed amid prolonged congestion on the Ketapang side and adjustments to ferry operations under the TBB pattern. While conditions had started to ease by Saturday afternoon at Gilimanuk, ASDP and local authorities said clearing the accumulated queues on the crossing remained a focus.

Sources

• DetikBali - Antrean Kendaraan ke Pelabuhan Gilimanuk Mengular 2,5 Kilometer gegara Ini
• JPNN Bali - Antrean Truk Mengular di Ketapang–Gilimanuk Berlanjut, ASDP Buka Suara
• RRI Banyuwangi - ASDP Operasikan 24 Kapal untuk Urai Antrean Ketapang–Gilimanuk
• TribunJatim - Hampir Sebulan Macet, Ekor Antrean Truk Menuju Pelabuhan Ketapang Banyuwangi Capai 5 Km