Tourists Can Expect To See Heightened Security At Bali’s Sanur Port

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Bali tourists traveling in and out of Sanur Port can expect to see higher security in the area in the coming weeks.

As the province prepares for the local elections to select incoming governors, mayors, and regents on the 27th of November, 2024, security authorities are stepping up their presence at key transit points.

The increased security is nothing for tourists to be worried about; it is a standard security measure that occurs during election periods, including during the general election campaign and a voting day earlier this year. 

Sanur Harbor is the busiest port in South Bali and is the gateway for tourists to travel to the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, and Lombok.

The port is also a key transportation hub for local residents and for cargo being shipped between the main island and the outlying regions.

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Increased security has been implemented as early as the end of September due to the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations that started on the 25th of September and will be observed until the 5th of October, which also leads to an increased number of provincial residents on the move. 

Security Chiefs Made Putra Jaya and I Gusti Ananata Kusama have told reporters that so far, the increased security measures have been a success, with no reports of criminal activity detected.

They shared that the focus of the security operation includes the prevention of passengers traveling with illegal items and checking for the potential circulation of sharp weapons, explosives, narcotics, and illegal liquor. By Friday afternoon, no prohibited goods were found in the operation.

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Speaking to reporters, Head of Public Relations of Denpasar Regional Police AKP I Ketut Sukadi emphasized the importance of extra security in crucial times such as regional elections.

“The pier is a very vital entrance, especially during the regional election. We make sure that strict supervision is carried out to prevent the circulation of prohibited goods that can disturb security and order” he said.

“This security is not only to enforce the law but also to give a sense of security to the people who make the crossing.”

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AKP Sukadi also called on the boat operators and the public to make smart choices when it comes to ferry and fast boat crossings, checking the weather forecast and tides before setting off on their journeys.

He added, “We also prioritize public safety. Even though the weather looks good, the use of safety equipment is still mandatory to ensure a safe and smooth sea trip.”

While it is unlikely, tourists could be stopped by security personnel at Sanur Port for bag searches as part of the increased security operation, Sanur Port is the busiest tourist port in Bali.

In the peak of the high season, Sanur Port sees over 4,000 passengers a day; with pressure on the port’s resources rising, leaders are considering developing a second harbor to keep up with increasing demand for travel from main island Bali to popular destinations like Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.

As outlined by Denpasar City officials in July 2024, a second fast bar port in Sanur would be created by developing docks at Matahari Terbit Beach and Mertasari Beach.

The Mayor of Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, confirmed that the expansion of Sanur Port could only be done if the Ministry of Transportation hands over the authority of the port to the Denpasar City Government.

Regent Negara wants to see the port expanded and divided so that each type of traveler has a dedicated section from which to board their boats.

For example, early morning tourist day trip departures would operate out of one section, and tourists staying overnight or traveling one-way to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands would be encouraged to book departures after 8.30 am to ease congestion.

The second port area would likely focus on more local ferry services and small-scale cargo, too. 

He explained, “People who want their trip one day, for example, they want to cross in the morning, but can later be divided into two crossing locations. So it doesn’t pile up in one place.”