Update Traffic on the Route to Ketapang Banyuwangi, 9 Old LCT Ships Are Already On but Ship Fees Are Under Scrutiny

The Shiro Copr, BANYUWANGI - The resumption of the operation of the former LCT ships from Ketapang port, Banyuwangi - Gilimanuk Bali is able to reduce extreme congestion occurring on the Situbondo-Banyuwangi route.

Previously, a long traffic jam occurred exactly at the eastern end of Pantura Road, heading towards Ketapang Port, which lasted up to 30 kilometers (km) on July 16-18.

Traffic has eased as transportation vehicles began to cross the Bali Strait.

Most LCT ships have been operating to transport vehicles crossing to Bali.

Data KSOP Tanjung Wangi states that 9 out of 15 ships that previously had to meet requirements before they could resume operations are now sailing.

Nine ships are KMP Agung Samudera IX, KMP Karya Maritim I, KMP Jambo VI, KMP Karya Maritim II, KMP Samudera Utama, KMP Liputan XII, KMP Munic V, KMP Jalur Nusa, and KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888.

The operations of these ships have become one of the factors in restoring normal activities at Ketapang Port which

With the operation of the nine former LCT ships, it means there are six other ships that still need to meet various requirements before they can sail again.

"we continue to do our best, besides the safety and security of navigation must remain guaranteed," said Head of KSOP Tanjung Wangi, Purgana, Monday (21/7/2025).

On the other hand, the push to readjust the ferry tariff was conveyed by member of the People's Representative Council of Indonesia, Bambang Haryo Soekartono.

According to Bambang, adjusting the tariff is important to support the shipping company's operations in meeting safety standardization.

"Also including the standardization of safety, comfort, and minimum service for ferries," he said.

According to him, the current ferry tariff at Ketapang Port is 38 percent lower than the calculation by the government and other relevant parties.

In 2019, the government through the Ministry of Transportation and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs (now the Ministry of Coordination for Infrastructure and Regional Development) together with YLKI and Gapasdap once calculated the reference tariff in ferry crossings.

The current tariff, according to him, is much lower than the result of that calculation.

Bambang also requested that the reduction of 15 operational ships, which affects traffic congestion, not be carried out again.

"Previously, the ex-LCT ship already had a certificate of perfection after the ship was dry-docked and several times underwent ramp checks during the Lebaran transportation and before each departure time," he said.

In addition, he believes that the LCT ships have also obtained a sailing permit. Therefore, the ship can be considered seaworthy for operation. (fla)