ASDP cancels all ferry services from Kupang due to severe weather

PT Angkutan Sungai, Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) Indonesia Ferry’s Kupang branch has cancelled all sailings from Kupang to several areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) due to severe weather affecting the region. “Today all crossings from Kupang have been cancelled because of the bad weather,” said Ramlan Iyang, Business Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Kupang Branch, in Kupang on Sunday. Ramlan, who is commonly called Alan, stated that services from Kupang would resume once the weather improves. He mentioned that the cancelled services include the Kupang-Hansisi (Semau Island), Kupang-Rote Ndao, and Kupang-Larantuka (East Flores) routes. Alan added that the cancellation was also made following a sailing ban advisory from the Kupang Harbour Master’s office. “There was an advisory from the Harbour Master and Port Authority Office (KSOP) regarding the sailing ban due to the bad weather,” he added. He therefore expressed hope that users of ASDP ferry services would understand the situation, as the cancellation is for the safety of passengers. Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) at the Tenau Meteorological Station issued an early warning for high waves in NTT waters. BMKG Tenau Kupang Meteorological Station forecaster Salsabila Ardian said wave heights of 1.25 metres to 2.5 metres are likely to occur in the southern part of the Sape Strait, the northern waters of Flores, the Flores-Lamakera Strait, the Pantar Strait, the Alor Strait, the southern waters of Flores, and the southern waters of Alor. Furthermore, wave heights of 2.5 metres to 4.0 metres are likely to occur in the northern waters of Sabu Raijua and the southern waters of Sabu Raijua.