"Sea transportation services at Ketapang Port remain operational. We continue to operate with the highest priority being safety for both passengers and vessels," the ministry's Director General of Sea Transportation, Muhammad Masyhud, remarked on Monday.
He reported that 27 ships are currently operating: 19 ships at MB I-IV Piers; seven ships at LCM Piers; and one auxiliary ship at Bulusan Pier, Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java.
Following the sinking of KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, his side has conducted a comprehensive technical inspection of LCT ships operating at the LCM Pier in Ketapang, Banyuwangi.
"We conduct strict inspections with no compromise on the seaworthiness of the ships. Our commitment is to ensure that all safety elements are fully adhered to," he emphasized.
Masyhud explained that the maximum capacity of a landing craft tank (LCT) ship is limited to 300 tons, allowing each ship to carry no more than six trucks.
Meanwhile, the volume of vehicles crossing to Bali and the eastern regions, such as West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is quite high, contributing to long vehicular queues in the port area, he pointed out.
He also noted that traffic congestion since July 17, 2025, has also been exacerbated by the closure of the Gumitir Route—the main route connecting Banyuwangi and Jember—which is currently undergoing comprehensive repairs.
The closure of this route has redirected logistics vehicles to alternate access points leading to Ketapang Port, thereby increasing traffic in the area around the port, Masyhud stated.
The ministry urges all service users and logistics drivers to stay informed about conditions on the roads near the port and to abide by traffic regulations issued by police and field officers.
"The latest data shows that loading and unloading activities at all piers are still running smoothly, with most cargo being goods or logistics vehicles," he remarked.
The Transportation Ministry has taken several strategic steps to support the acceleration of ferry services on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route, including by adding more ships to meet ferry demand on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route.
Other efforts include expediting loading and unloading processes, arranging ships according to pier capacity, and maintaining intensive coordination with relevant stakeholders.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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