ASDP Operates Eastern Indonesia Ports 24 Hours Daily

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has shifted its focus toward Eastern Indonesia by implementing 24-hour port operations to stabilize the massive post-holiday migration and maintain regional logistics.

This move aims to bridge the connectivity gap in the archipelago’s eastern reaches. It ensures that the surge in passenger and vehicle volume during Idul Fitri 1447 Hijri year does not bottleneck critical maritime routes.

ASDP President Director, Heru Widodo, emphasized that the heightened activity in the east is being met with an adaptive and integrated response tailored to real-time field demands. Addressing the press in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, he highlighted that the eastern region holds an important role in maintaining national connectivity, particularly during the peak Eid season.

"The eastern region plays a strategic role in maintaining national connectivity, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming. We are ensuring not only adequate capacity but also responsive services that align with field dynamics," said Heru, as quoted by Antara.

The impact of these round-the-clock operations is already visible across several key branches. By keeping ports open 24 hours, ASDP has successfully minimized queues and provided travelers with greater scheduling flexibility.

Heru noted that this policy is more than just a technical maneuver, it represents the state's presence in ensuring regional integration and a "humane" travel experience for all users. Beyond passenger comfort, the move has been vital in keeping the flow of essential goods and economic activities steady throughout the long holiday break.

In the Ambon branch, data from H-10 to H+2 of the Eid period shows that over 102,000 passengers and approximately 25,000 vehicles were served, supported by the deployment of the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries Terubuk and Rokatenda.

To further manage the load, authorities temporarily reassigned Ro-Ro ferries Bahteramas II from its pioneer route to the busier Labuan–Amolengo commercial crossing. General Manager of ASDP Baubau, Sullivan Ramadhana Miraza, explained that this redeployment is a proactive strategy to handle the anticipated spike in return-flow traffic.

"We are projecting a significant surge in the return flow. Therefore, Bahteramas Ferry II will continue to operate on the Labuan–Amolengo route until H+5 before returning to its original service," he confirmed.

Significant service upgrades were also recorded in Ternate, where the Bastiong–Rum route saw its frequency increased from three to four daily trips. Meanwhile, the Bastiong–Sofifi route experienced a 60 percent boost in service frequency compared to previous periods, successfully mobilizing 1,747 foot passengers and 823 vehicles.

These comprehensive measures underscore ASDP's commitment to maintaining order and safety across Indonesia’s eastern waters as the nation transitions from the holiday rush back to regular activity. ***