BALINEWSID.COM, GILIMANUK – The peak of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri homecoming traffic at Gilimanuk Port was predicted to occur on Saturday (March 14, 2026), with authorities reporting heavy congestion stretching up to 10 kilometers.

Responding to the surge of vehicles, Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali), together with Jembrana Police and other related agencies, immediately implemented traffic management and engineering measures to ensure that travelers heading home for the holiday could continue their journey safely and smoothly.

According to personnel from the Traffic Security and Safety Task Force of Ops Ketupat Agung 2026, by 11:00 a.m. local time the queue of vehicles heading toward the port had reached approximately 10 kilometers, extending to the Sumber Sari Village area in Jembrana Regency. The congestion was dominated by freight trucks and private cars carrying travelers preparing to cross to the island of Java.

In response, police officers coordinated traffic control and rerouting along the main road leading to Gilimanuk Port in an effort to break up the long queue of vehicles. Traffic engineering measures were also applied at the Gilimanuk Cargo Terminal, where officers gave special attention to easing the flow of vehicles entering the port area.

Head of Operations at Bali Police, Karo Ops Polda Bali Kombes Pol. Soelistijono, S.I.K., M.H. the operational controller for Ops Ketupat Agung 2026, instructed all personnel deployed along the Denpasar–Gilimanuk main route to take strategic steps to manage the growing traffic volume.

One of the measures implemented was the temporary restriction of large trucks, particularly three-axle trucks heading toward Gilimanuk Port. Empty trucks were redirected into designated parking areas to prevent additional congestion along the main route to the port.

To strengthen these efforts, the Bali Police also asked units from Denpasar Police, Badung Police, and Tabanan Police to take similar steps in their respective regions to help reduce the buildup of traffic eventually heading toward Jembrana.

The regulation of large truck movements during the Eid homecoming period is being carried out in accordance with the Joint Decree on Traffic and Ferry Transport Arrangements for the 2026 Eid Transportation Period.

Meanwhile, Jembrana Police have also coordinated with ASDP Indonesia Ferry to implement the Arrive–Unload–Depart (TBB) system for vessels operating on the Gilimanuk–Ketapang crossing. Under this system, ferries arriving at Ketapang Port immediately unload passengers and vehicles before quickly returning to Gilimanuk to accelerate ferry services for travelers.

Head of Public Relations of Bali Police, Kombes Pol. Ariasandy, S.I.K. who also serves as the Public Relations Task Force Commander for Ops Ketupat Agung 2026, urged travelers to follow the directions of officers in the field.

“We urge all travelers to comply with the instructions and traffic arrangements provided by officers on duty. These traffic engineering measures are aimed at ensuring safety, order, and smooth travel for people returning to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families,” he said.

He also reminded drivers to maintain their physical condition during long journeys, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and always prioritize safety.

“Patience and cooperation from the public are essential so that the Eid homecoming traffic can run safely, orderly, and smoothly,” he added.