Bali Strait Ferry Services Return to Normal After Inspections
Bali Strait Ferry Services Resume Normal Operations after Safety Inspections
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Jembrana, Bali – Ferry services across the vital Bali Strait have returned to normal, with disruptions easing considerably after a period of reduced crossing frequency. The temporary slowdown was implemented to conduct thorough safety inspections following a tragic ferry sinking earlier this month that resulted in fatalities and missing persons.
Resumption of Services and Easing of Queues
State-owned operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry confirmed that long queues of logistics vehicles at connecting ports have substantially diminished as more vessels have resumed their regular operations. As of Saturday midday,23 ferries were actively operating on the route,facilitating smoother transit between java and Bali.
Gilimanuk Port in Bali has reported cleared queues,indicating a return to standard operational flow. While Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, still had a backlog of logistics vehicles, these were primarily concentrated in the nearby Bulusan area.
“We are focused on clearing this queue,” stated Shelvy Arifin, ASDP’s corporate secretary, in a statement released on Saturday. She emphasized that ferry loading and unloading operations are now proceeding smoothly at both key ports.
Impact of Safety Inspections
The recent disruptions stemmed directly from the July 2 sinking of the KMP Tunu pratama. The vessel, carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, capsized en route from Ketapang to Gilimanuk. The incident tragically claimed 18 lives, with 17 individuals still missing.
In response to the disaster, the Ministry of Transportation initiated thorough safety inspections of all vessels operating across the Bali Strait to ensure their seaworthiness. ASDP Indonesia Ferry has expressed its full cooperation and support for these critical safety measures.
“We are also monitoring the weighing and cargo management processes,in line with directives from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation,” Arifin added. She conveyed gratitude to passengers for their understanding and patience, reiterating that the company’s paramount priority remains the safety of all travelers.
“ASDP will continue to provide optimal services, ensure smooth logistics, and maintain public comfort,” she assured.
Operational Stability and Future Measures
Yannes Kurniawan, ASDP Ketapang General Manager, confirmed the current stability of operations. “Loading and unloading activities are running normally. We are currently prioritizing the transport of cargo vehicles still stuck in Bulusan, with support from reserve vessels,” he stated.
To further expedite services and manage the remaining backlog, strategic measures are being implemented. These include the sorting of vehicles at nearby toll gates and the deployment of additional vessels to enhance crossing frequency.
Earlier, Director General of Sea Transportation Muhammad Masyhud reported that out of 54 vessels inspected, 45 have been cleared to resume operations across the Bali Strait, underscoring the commitment to restoring full and safe service.
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