BANYUWANGI – Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Ketapang-Gilimanuk sempat ditutup menyusul angin kencang di Selat Bali, Thursday (2/8/2018).
The crossing delays lasted longer 4 jam. The impact of this crossing delay, the queue of vehicles heading to Ketapang port reached 3 Km.
Crossing delays begin at 1:00 p.m 10.30 WIB and opened 15.45 WIB. Strong winds in the waters of the Bali Strait reached 30 knot. This endangers ships serving the Java-Bali crossing.
“Sempat kita tunda operasional penyeberangan ini. This is very dangerous for crossings,” ujar Eka Cakrawala, Head of the Crossing Organizing Unit Office (DEAL) Ketapang at ASDP Ketapang Harbor.
Until o'clock 15.00 WIB, Strong winds continue to hit the Bali Strait. Wind speed decreases to 25 knot. “Beberapa hari ini memang agak sedikit ekstrim. Suddenly strong winds around the Bali Strait,” he added.
This crossing delay resulted in long queues to Ketapang Harbor. Vehicles are dominated by heavy vehicles, such as trucks carrying basic necessities and heavy equipment. Apart from that, there are also small vehicles such as two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.
“Kami mohon pengertian kepada pengguna jasa penyeberengan untuk bersabar. If the weather eases we will again lift the crossing delay," he concluded.
Made Sutrisna (34), one of the transport owners admitted that he had 2 more hours waiting for the opening of this crossing. Made admitted that he understands and comprehends crossing delays for the sake of crossing safety.
“Ya agak capek nunggu. But for safety's sake it's okay," he said.
