Contradictory reports are emerging about a new fast ferry service connecting Serangan Island, Denpasar, and Pantai Bloom, Banyuwangi.
The Provincial Government of Bali has not received any formal notification of the new shipping service or has been asked to coordinate the operational implementation program for the new service. Meanwhile, interested parties in East Java present the new service as a “definite done deal” that will start sailing in June.
As quoted by NusaBali.com, the Head of Bali’s Transportation Service (DISHUB), IGW Samsi Gunarta, confirmed that, as of Thursday, 10 April 2025, his office had received no communication from the provincial governments of Bali and East Java regarding plans for the fast ferry service to connect Pantai Bloom and Serangan Island.
Earlier, the Province of East Java and the District Administration of Banyuwangi publicly announced plans for a fast-ferry service, targeting a June 2025 commencement of operations. The proposed service will substantially reduce travel time compared to an overland journey from Denpasar to Gilimanuk to Banyuwangi.
Samsi said, “If examined from a transportation standpoint, any increase in service is a good thing. However, we need to examine the transportation situation in Bali first, and then the availability of port facilities. There have been no detailed discussions.”
Bali’s top transportation official added that the Province cannot arbitrarily agree to any new inter-provincial transportation service without first undertaking regional discussions involving the relevant government agencies. The proposed service must also be discussed with representatives of the Central Government and bilaterally between the two provinces.
Until more is known about the proposed service, Samsi said he cannot recommend a home port for the fast-ferry service. Denpasar has three active ports: Serangan, Sanur, and Benoa. Samsi is awaiting details regarding the proposed fast-ferry service, including the number of ships to be employed and operational schedules, before issuing official approval for the new service.
Samsi awaits more information about the new Banyuwangi-Serangan Fast Ferry, acknowledging the potential that the proposed service might have to reduce road traffic volume between Jembrana and Denpasar. Adding: “But if this service wants to be developed, it must begin with good communication. Don’t create new and unwanted problems in our seaports.”
Kompas.com provided more details on the new fast ferry between Marina Bloom, Banyuwangi, and Serangan Island in Denpasar, Bali. The new service is targeted to begin sailing in June 2025. The ferry operating the service will have a length of 70 meters and a width of 5 meters, with a capacity of 300 passengers.. The ferry will be able to complete the proposed route in 2.5 hours.
The 2.5-hour traveling time over the 140-kilometer route represents a considerable improvement compared to the alternative overland journey of at least 4.5 hours.
In short, the travel time of the Banyuwangi-Denpasar fast boat route can also make it easier for tourists who want to visit from Banyuwangi to Denpasar or vice versa. “With a shorter travel time from Bali, tourists are expected to be more interested in visiting Banyuwangi,” said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani on Tuesday, 08 April 2025.
Earlier, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa reviewed the location of the 600-meter-long People’s Shipping Pier (Pelra), the cruise pier, and the Regional Feeder Port (PPR) UPT office, all of which were developed by the East Java Provincial Government. Khofifah hopes that the presence of the fast boat service can bring more foreign tourists to Banyuwangi so that the economy can grow rapidly.
It is hoped that, over time, an increasing number of ships will operate on the Bali-Banyuwangi sea route. Before that, however, additional facilities are needed, such as a waiting room for passengers. Khofifah stated that in the next stage, the East Java Provincial Government will expand services to build wider connectivity between Banyuwangi, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan, thereby facilitating the mobility of goods, services, and passengers.
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