BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – State-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) is stepping up cruise ship services at Celukan Bawang Port, with a projected 50 percent increase in cruise traffic in 2026 compared with the previous year.
To support the anticipated rise in cruise arrivals, Pelindo has carried out a series of infrastructure upgrades. One of the key improvements is the paving of the vehicle parking area, which has been in use since November 2025. The company is also finalizing the construction of a new passenger terminal, scheduled for completion by mid-January 2026.
According to Pelindo, a total of 22 cruise ships are scheduled to call at Celukan Bawang Port in 2026. Of these, 10 vessels will dock directly, while 12 others will anchor offshore, reflecting growing demand for cruise access to northern Bali.
The improved cruise services are strengthening Celukan Bawang Port’s role as a maritime tourism gateway for North Bali. Cruise ship activities have generated economic benefits for surrounding communities, particularly in Celukan Bawang, Pengulon, Tinga-Tinga, and Tukadsumaga villages.
Local residents have benefited across multiple sectors, from dock workers (TKBM) to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including catering providers, artisans, and souvenir vendors.
Pelindo has also involved local communities in welcoming cruise passengers through cultural performances and traditional dance shows. Some dock workers hold multiple roles, serving as members of cultural groups or as tourism transport drivers.
As cruise activity increases, Pelindo has expanded its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programs. These include the distribution of basic necessities, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular workplace safety training for dock workers.
The company also awards monthly recognition to workers who consistently comply with PPE standards, aiming to strengthen a safety-first culture at the port.
Beyond the cruise sector, Pelindo continues to enhance cargo services at Celukan Bawang Port. Improvements include asphalted access roads and the implementation of an autogate system since 2025. Pelindo is also exploring partnerships with strategic stakeholders to increase cargo volume and service quality.
General Manager of Pelindo’s Celukan Bawang Branch Mochammad Imron said the development of cruise and cargo services is expected to progress in parallel, in line with port facility upgrades outlined in the Port Master Plan, which is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Transportation.
“Going forward, Pelindo is exploring cooperation with energy, cement, and asphalt cargo owners. Our goal is for cruise and cargo services to grow together and contribute tangibly to the economy and regional revenue of Buleleng,” Imron said on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Pelindo reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improving port services to support tourism growth and strengthen the local economy in northern Bali.