Indonesia’s ASDP plans to resume ferry services in South Nias in October, improving inter-island transport for communities and supporting access to education, healthcare and economic centres
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) and the South Nias Regency Government are preparing to resume a pioneering ferry service connecting communities across the islands, with operations targeted to begin in October.
The KMP Hafamati HF is scheduled to serve the Tello Island-Lasondre-Saeru-Lumbui Melayu route, covering about 39 nautical miles. The service is expected to improve inter-island mobility and support economic activity in the areas it serves.
“For island communities, ferry services are vital in connecting people with their families, daily necessities, education, healthcare and economic hubs,” said Ellenor Piri, general manager of ASDP’s Lake Toba Branch.
Ellen made the remarks after ASDP and the South Nias Regency Government signed an addendum to their cooperation agreement for the operation of KMP Hafamati HF on June 25.
ASDP and the local government are preparing for the vessel’s operation, with safety, service quality and security among their priorities, Ellen said.
“We are optimistic that, following the various processes undertaken this year, KMP Hafamati will be able to begin serving the public next month,” she said.
The roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel has a gross tonnage of 30 tonnes and can carry up to 40 passengers and 10 motorcycles. It has a service speed of 10 knots.
For 2026, the vessel is scheduled to operate for 92 days, with 80 planned trips on each of the three route segments: Pulau Tello-Lasondre, Lasondre-Saeru and Saeru-Lumbui Melayu.
Damai Omega, head of the South Nias Regency Transportation Agency, said the local government welcomed preparations for the service.
“Inter-island connectivity is a vital need for South Nias, particularly for residents living in areas where transport access relies heavily on sea travel,” Damai said.
The local government will continue coordinating with ASDP and other stakeholders to support the service’s continuity and improve its delivery, he said.
The operational plan for 2027 calls for the pioneer service to run for 365 days, with 289 scheduled trips on each route.
ASDP and the South Nias Regency Government said the service was intended to strengthen connectivity in frontier, outermost and underdeveloped areas while supporting economic activity among communities served by the ferry.
“We hope that KMP Hafamati will not merely be a vessel sailing from one island to another, but a vital link for the community and a driver of economic activity,” Ellen said.
