Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s state-owned ferry company, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), has secured a 2024 subsidy contract valued at IDR 425.9 billion. This funding supports pioneer ferry services, specialized livestock transportation, and feeder sea toll logistics, enhancing access to remote regions.
By October 2024, ASDP had completed 69,418 pioneer trips, 134 feeder sea toll voyages, and 11 livestock transport voyages. Currently, the company operates 84 vessels across 208 routes, comprising 204 regular routes and four livestock-specific lines. The fleet includes 78 ferries, five water buses, and a livestock transport ship.
Supporting Regional Connectivity
Heru Widodo, CEO of PT ASDP, emphasized the broader mission behind these operations. “This is more than transportation; it’s a strategic effort to improve logistics distribution and create sustainable economic impact in remote areas,” he said in a statement on Monday, December 9.
ASDP’s initiatives align with the Indonesian government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and regional development, particularly in the underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. These efforts aim to bolster mobility and streamline logistics distribution to stimulate local economies.
“Our goal is to expand accessibility, support economic activities, and foster better connectivity for communities in isolated regions,” Widodo added.
Tangible Impacts on Local Communities
ASDP Corporate Secretary Shelvy Arifin highlighted the transformative effects of the company’s services on rural and remote communities. These include improved welfare, access to new markets, and greater efficiency in logistics distribution.
“This service does more than facilitate mobility—it provides isolated areas with connections to economic growth centers,” Arifin stated.
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Bridging Gaps for Sustainable Growth
By operating its pioneer fleet, ASDP strengthens Indonesia’s maritime connectivity, empowering isolated regions to engage in broader economic networks. With continued government support and strategic initiatives, the company remains a critical driver of regional accessibility and economic equality.
(Becky)
