The policy of placing stickers on selected vehicles entering Ketapang Port has been in effect for 10 days. Following a thorough evaluation, it has been found that the strategy is effective in reducing vehicle queues. The East Java Department of Transportation has confirmed that the policy will continue in effect until the relevant ministry issues a decision regarding transport restrictions. The Head of the Transportation Department's Traffic Division, Farid Susanto, has explained that a meeting has been held at the Ministry regarding changes to the management of Ketapang Port. These changes include restrictions on incoming transport as part of efforts to prevent queues. Additionally, the Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Ketapang River, Lake, and Ferry Transport (ASDP), has implemented a system for organising incoming vehicles by applying stickers to distinguish transport vehicles and their cargo capacity. Trucks are required to undergo weighing at the Watudodol Bridge and will be labelled with stickers. Vehicles with a load exceeding 35 tonnes will be given red stickers, while those with a load below 35 tonnes will receive green stickers.
In the initial phase, the Department of Transportation has prepared 4,000 stickers, with plans to increase the quantity. According to Farid, the policy is implemented to anticipate congestion at Ketapang Port, which has limited wharf capacity and buffer zones. Following the issuance of stickers, vehicles can be efficiently sorted. Henceforth, vehicles transporting lighter loads will be able to utilise the movable bridge wharf. Officials will be on standby to direct vehicle drivers. In addition, the Provincial Government plans to make long-term improvements to the LCM dock at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi. The objective is to reduce the length of the ship's ramp door, which has been contributing to an increase in ship weight due to suboptimal specifications. Moreover, the Provincial Government will conduct an assessment to enhance the functionality of the MB IV dock to accommodate loads of up to 50 tonnes. The target is to achieve this capacity increase by September.
