“We want to ensure that transportation infrastructure is fully prepared for the Christmas and New Year period in East Java, particularly along the Surabaya–Banyuwangi corridor,” the minister said in a statement on Wednesday.
Purwagandhi inspected preparations on Tuesday (Dec. 16) by traveling overland from Surabaya to Banyuwangi. During the trip, he reviewed the Probolinggo–Situbondo–Banyuwangi toll road, which is set to be partially operational during the holiday period.
“We also inspected the planned Piton toll road rest area. We continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Works so that the public can utilize this route during the upcoming holidays,” he said.
In Banyuwangi, the minister oversaw holiday preparations at Ketapang Port, where he chaired a coordination meeting.
“The holiday season consistently brings a surge in the movement of people and goods. This significantly increases pressure on service capacity, safety, and operational reliability,” Purwagandhi noted. He stressed that disciplined on-the-ground preparedness is essential to maintaining service quality.
The minister underscored that efforts in Banyuwangi must focus on ensuring smooth logistics flows and maritime safety. He added that the seaworthiness of vessels, pier readiness, and the professionalism of crews are key factors that must be jointly guaranteed.
“Safety does not happen by chance; it is the result of serious planning and disciplined implementation,” he emphasized, urging all parties to remain vigilant against risks such as extreme weather.
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stated that the local administration has prepared buffer zones and parking areas to ease traffic congestion along the northern coastal route. "We have also set up command posts near congestion-prone areas to improve access to the port, airport, and railway station," she said.
PT ASDP Ketapang General Manager Ardhy Ekapati projected that peak Christmas travel will occur from Dec. 21–23, 2025. Peak movement for the New Year is expected on Dec. 28–29, and again on Jan. 1 and Jan. 4, 2026.
To manage traffic, Ekapati noted that buffer zones have been established at Grand Watu Dodol and Sritanjung Terminal for Ketapang Port, and at the Cargo Terminal and Cekik area for Gilimanuk Port.
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Translator: Muhamad, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Arie Novarina
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