BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Authorities in Badung Regency will implement temporary traffic changes in the Kerobokan area on March 16–17 as thousands of Hindu worshippers travel to coastal temples for the Melasti purification ceremony ahead of Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence.
The Melasti processions will involve several traditional villages in North Kuta traveling along Jalan Raya Kerobokan toward coastal sites including Petitenget Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Seseh Beach.
To reduce congestion during the ceremonial procession, the Badung Transportation Agency (Dishub) will introduce a temporary contraflow traffic system on Jalan Raya Kerobokan.
Contraflow allows vehicles to use part of the opposite traffic lane to accommodate heavier traffic flow in one direction. The temporary lane arrangement is typically separated using cones, barriers, or traffic officers to maintain safety.
Acting Head of the Badung Transportation Agency, I Made Gede Wiryantara Adi Susandi, said the traffic arrangement was prepared following coordination meetings through the local Traffic and Road Transportation Forum.
“Some Melasti ceremonies have already begun, and others will take place on March 16 and 17. We have coordinated traffic management in advance for the routes used during the Melasti processions,” he said on Sunday (March 15).
Several coastal locations across Badung will host Melasti ceremonies, including Kuta Beach, Petitenget Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Seseh Beach, and Melasti Beach.
However, the contraflow system will be applied specifically in the Kerobokan area due to existing traffic restrictions. Kerobokan Kelod has implemented a one-way traffic system since December 14, 2025.
“The contraflow system will only be implemented in Kerobokan. Melasti activities in other areas will proceed as usual,” Susandi explained.
Transportation officers will also be stationed at key intersections including Kerobokan Junction, Semer, Petitenget, and other busy road crossings to manage traffic flow. Monitoring will also be supported by the Area Traffic Control System (ATCS).
Melasti participants traveling to Petitenget Beach are expected to depart from Padang Luwih Traditional Village and Kerobokan Traditional Village, heading south along the main route.
Upon reaching Semer Intersection, traffic will be redirected using the contraflow system toward the southern route.
Authorities plan to temporarily hold vehicle traffic at the Petitenget intersection and also restrict access from Jalan Gunung Sanghyang to allow ceremonial participants to proceed safely on foot toward the beach.
The Melasti procession is scheduled to begin around 07:00 WITA. Groups from Padang Luwih, Kerobokan, and Padang Sambian traditional villages are expected to arrive at Petitenget Beach at around 11:00 WITA, with the ceremony likely concluding around 13:00 WITA.
Additional Melasti routes will also pass through Padang Sambian Kelod, continuing along Jalan Bidadari, Jalan Mertanadi, Sunset Road intersection, Jalan Raya Taman Basangkasa, and Jalan Kayu Aya before reaching Petitenget Beach.
Authorities said the return route for participants from Padang Sambian Kelod will also temporarily use a contraflow system along Jalan Kayu Aya before returning to the normal traffic direction.
In addition to managing Melasti processions, Badung Transportation Agency is preparing traffic arrangements for the upcoming ogoh-ogoh parade held on the eve of Nyepi.
Key monitoring points will include Dalung Roundabout, Gatot Subroto Barat intersection, Kerobokan–Gunung Sanghyang intersection, and Petitenget intersection.
A total of 159 transportation officers and four tow trucks will be deployed during the event.
Officials expect the ogoh-ogoh parade to conclude before 23:00 WITA, after which street lighting across the area will be turned off starting at midnight in preparation for Nyepi observance.
“All street lighting systems, including traffic lights and warning lights, will be turned off starting at 24:00 WITA,” Susandi added.