Prediction for passengers leap up cross from Bali before Nyepi day is proved. Most of them are people from Java who stay and work in Bali. meanwhile, crossing activities out of Bali will be closed at 05.30 a.m. or on Tuesday (March 16). Meanwhile form Ketapang port in Banyuwangi the closing will conduct earlier that is at 12.00 p.m.

Yesterday Sunday (March 14) in the morning, hundreds of motorcycles looks line up and filled the ticket-selling counter at Gilimanuk Port. Not few of them were bus passengers. This leap up that was dominated by nomads starting to be seen from Saturday night (March 13).

Numbers of motor riders confessed that they intentionally went home to their hometown since there are long holiday time and did not want to trap in Nyepi day. The time when Nyepi celebrated in Bali is the time for the island to get paralyze from every activities. Even among them, leaving Bali when Nyepi is part of their tradition. “Every Nyepi day we are home to Jember. I never feel Nyepi atmosphere as long as I lived in Bali,” said Salim who had five years stay in Denpasar.

Early in the morning, line up in front of port counter can be seen. It is due to only single counter serve for motor cycle meanwhile every one-minute group of motor cycles arrived. It cause line-up row in front of the counter. Although, when they had entering the port, they could enter the boat.

They intentionally cross the strait yesterday because they afraid will get trap on Tuesday morning, as the port will be closed at that day. Just like all ports and airport, all entering access to Bali will be close for one day.

At Gilimanuk port itself, crossing activity out from Bali will be close at 05.30 a.m. on Tuesday (March 16). Meanwhile at Ketapang port, Banyuwangi, will close earlier, that is at 12.00 p.m. This, according to the agreement and coordination between several institutions to respect Bali whom conducting Catur Brata Penyepian.

Operational Manager of ASDP Gilimanuk, Ospar Silaban justified the information regarding passengers leap up. Even on Sunday, it was estimated that there was 300 percent escalation in which there had been five thousands motor cross the straits, he said. It is predicted that passenger leap up will keep continue until Monday (March 15). Meanwhile for port closing to Bali from Ketapang is intentionally conduct from 12.00 p.m. to give chance for vehicles aiming for Denpasar as well as Padangbai port could arrive on time.
After the ports closed, boats will lean on Ketapang. At least, at 05.30 a.m. we will keep two boats to keep alert. One boat for goods deliver, he said. The port will be re-open on Wednesday 05.00 a.m. but the ship will keep floating in the middle of Bali Strait, waiting for Gilimanuk to open at 06.00 a.m. the boats could come closer to Gilimanuk port after there is a sign for this port to re-open.

News by Bali Post