ASDP opens Jakarta-Malahayati ferry route for Aceh logistics distribution

By Romel S. Gurky

State ferry firm PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) and the Aceh provincial government have agreed to operate a Jakarta-Malahayati ferry route as part of efforts to improve cargo distribution between Jakarta and Aceh.

The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on Saturday at ASDP’s headquarters in Jakarta by Aceh Regional Secretary Muhammad Nasir and ASDP Vice President Director Yossianis Marciano.

According to ASDP, the route will be included in the company’s long distance ferry network and is intended to reduce cargo delivery time and distribution costs for interisland logistics.

The cooperation covers vessel operations, tariff management, port facility development, user market promotion, and transportation safety and service standards.

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“The route is expected to support logistics distribution and create additional economic activity related to trade and tourism in Aceh and western Indonesia,” Yossianis said in a statement.

Muhammad Nasir said the Aceh government supports the continuation of the cooperation as part of efforts to expand access to sea transportation services through roll on roll off ferry operations.

ASDP said the development of long distance ferry services is part of the company’s plan to expand logistics transportation services outside its conventional short crossing routes.

ASDP currently operates three ferry routes in Aceh: Ulee Lheue-Balohan, Ulee Lheue-Lamteung, and Ulee Lheue-Serapung, using KMP Aceh Hebat 2, KMP BRR, and KMP Papuyu.

Editing by Alexander Ginting