The purchase of ferry tickets for the Jawa-Bali crossing via Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, to Gilimauk Port in Bali, and vice versa, has been temporarily closed, and this closure has been attributed to various reasons.
The authorities at the Port of River, Lake, and Ferry Transportation (ASDP) Ketapang Banyuwangi have stated that the decision to close the crossing was prompted by extreme weather conditions and operational concerns.
According to the General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Branch Ketapang Banyuwangi, Syamsudin, “We apologize, but the Ketapang-Gilimanuk and Gilimanuk-Ketapang crossings are currently temporarily closed.”
Syamsudin further advised passengers who had planned to make the Jawa-Bali crossing to postpone their journeys for the time being, saying, “It is better to delay your trip for now. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
The closure of the crossing has been prompted by unfavorable weather conditions in the Bali Strait, as reported by the Banyuwangi branch of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
The BMKG report from the Ketapang station indicated moderate rainfall at the Ketapang ASDP Port on Friday at 13:00 WIB. Anjar Triono Hadi, a forecaster from BMKG Banyuwangi, highlighted the maritime weather conditions, stating, “The wind is blowing from the south at a speed of 8.0 Knots.”
In addition to the rainfall, the sea wave height in the Bali Strait has reached 1.25 to 2.5 meters, with a current flowing southward at a speed ranging from 0.67 to 1.25 meters per second.
Given these conditions, BMKG Banyuwangi has issued a cautionary advisory to both the public and ferry service users, urging them to exercise caution due to the unpredictable weather.
Anjar emphasized, “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and cautious.”
It is worth noting that the closure of the Jawa-Bali ferry crossing comes amidst ongoing traffic congestion at the Ketapang ASDP Port in Banyuwangi.
The congestion, which began on Sunday night (2/7/2023), has persisted until today, Friday (7/7/2023), and has not shown any signs of easing. In fact, the queues have grown longer, stretching for nearly 20 kilometers into the Wongsorejo District area.
The closure of the ferry crossing and the resulting traffic congestion have caused inconvenience for travelers, and authorities are working diligently to monitor the weather conditions and ensure the safety of those planning to make the Jawa-Bali crossing.
The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns and the need for careful planning and preparedness when it comes to transportation and travel.
