Indonesia targets December 2026 for Celukan Bawang Port to ease ferry congestion

Indonesia's Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, announced plans for the Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency, Bali, to commence ferry services by December 2026. This initiative is designed to ease the significant vehicle congestion currently experienced at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing, a vital link between Java and Bali. The Minister emphasized the need for alternative ports to manage traffic flow, drawing parallels with the successful implementation of such strategies on the Merak-Bakauheni route.

During a recent visit to Celukan Bawang Port and a meeting with Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, the Minister discussed accelerating transportation infrastructure development in Bali. The port's readiness is crucial for upcoming holiday travel periods, including Christmas and New Year 2026/2027, and the Lebaran 2027 festivities. The Ministry has been evaluating several alternative ferry routes, such as Jangkar–Celukan Bawang and Ketapang–Padang Bai/Gunaksa, with Celukan Bawang projected to become a key hub for distributing traffic from Java to Bali.

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we need to overcome the congestion that occurs at the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing. Learning from the experience at the Merak–Bakauheni route, we believe congestion must be broken up through alternative ports.

Minister Purwagandhi has instructed PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to expedite the port's development and technical assessments. Pelindo is tasked with revitalizing Celukan Bawang Port to accommodate ferries from various Banyuwangi ports, thereby expanding connectivity options between Java and Bali. "Hopefully, by December, Celukan Bawang Port can help break up the Ketapang Gilimanuk crossing traffic," the Minister stated. Additionally, the Ministry is advancing its water taxi program to offer a faster alternative for travel within Bali, aiming to significantly reduce road congestion and travel times, such as the projected 30-minute journey from the airport to Canggu.

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Hopefully, by December, Celukan Bawang Port can help break up the Ketapang Gilimanuk crossing traffic.