This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Bisnis Indonesia - Angkutan penyeberangan: ASDP buka Gunungsitoli—Sibolga
17 June 2025
By Luke Andaresta
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has commenced operations of KMP Jatra II on the strategic Gunungsitoli–Sibolga route to enhance connectivity in western Indonesia, facilitate smoother logistics, and promote equitable development.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo explained that KMP Jatra II is a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry measuring 90.79 metres in length and 15.6 metres in width. The vessel can accommodate up to 425 passengers and 100 vehicles, ranging from private cars to logistics trucks. With an average operational speed of 10 knots, the ferry is designed for stable, safe, and efficient inter-island travel, with a journey time of approximately 8 to 9 hours.
Previously, KMP Jatra II served the Jangkar (Situbondo)–Lembar (Lombok) crossing. After undergoing docking and inspection in Semarang to ensure its mechanical and structural readiness, the vessel departed for Gunungsitoli on 3 June 2025.
Heru highlighted that the Sibolga–Gunungsitoli route is a vital corridor for the distribution of goods and services in North Sumatra, particularly to Nias Island, which is rich in tourism potential and natural resources. He expressed hope that the presence of KMP Jatra II would accelerate public mobility, streamline supply chains, and reduce the cost of distributing essential goods.
The ferry’s operation is also expected to stimulate regional economic growth, improve public service quality, and support the integration of island regions. Heru emphasised that Indonesia’s development should not be concentrated solely in major cities. Through the expansion of services like this, ASDP aims to improve the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and drive local economic activity in a more inclusive manner.
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