Gilimanuk, Bali — With the peak holiday travel period still underway, Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, has conducted a high-level inspection of ferry services at Bali’s vital Gilimanuk Port. The visit, which included senior police officials, focused squarely on reinforcing maritime safety protocols in the face of forecasted extreme weather during the New Year period.
Minister Dudy’s inspection on Monday served as a direct reminder to port staff and ferry operators of the heightened risks posed by strong winds and high waves in the Bali Strait. Accompanied by the National Traffic Police Chief and the Bali Police Chief, the minister toured key security posts, including those operated by the Navy, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Water and Air Police.
“We have passed the Christmas transport period, we still have the New Year’s event and the return holiday flow,” Minister Dudy stated at the port. “I urge colleagues to be vigilant and ensure everything, such as the vessel’s seaworthiness, and pay attention to small details. We are anticipating unwanted events. The weather lately has been less than friendly, so it needs to be anticipated.”
Rising Tourist Numbers Amid Safety Focus
Despite the focus on weather-related caution, the minister highlighted positive tourism data. He revealed that overall tourist arrivals to Bali in 2025 have increased by approximately 3 percent compared to the previous year, encompassing both air and sea travel.
“The public’s enthusiasm for holidaying remains high,” Dudy noted, referring to traffic via the state-owned ferry operator ASDP. However, he balanced this optimism with a firm advisory: “We continue to remind [the public] of the importance of travel planning and always paying attention to the latest weather information.”
Context and Relevance for Bali’s International Community
The minister’s high-profile visit and warnings carry significant weight for residents and visitors in Bali, particularly following recent maritime tragedies in the region. The emphasis on “seaworthiness” and “small details” echoes lessons from other incidents, underscoring a nationwide push for stricter adherence to safety standards.
For the global community in Bali—expatriates, long-term visitors, and tourists planning inter-island travel—this official directive translates into practical advice:
- Heed Travel Advisories: Expect potential delays or cancellations for ferry services to and from Java (via Gilimanuk) if severe weather materialises. Always confirm schedules directly with operators before travelling.
- Prioritise Flexible Planning: Build buffer time into travel itineraries, especially for time-sensitive connections like flights, when using ferry services during this period.
- Monitor Official Channels: For real-time updates on marine weather and port operations, follow announcements from BMKG (Meteorology Agency) and the Ministry of Transportation.
The government’s proactive stance at Gilimanuk Port reflects a concerted effort to balance robust economic activity from tourism with non-negotiable safety imperatives. As Bali moves through the remainder of the holiday season, this reinforced vigilance aims to ensure that the island’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination remains intact, even as nature presents its challenges.
