ASDP CEO: Ferry services between Bitung and Ternate remain safe despite earthquake
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), Heru Widodo, has assured that ferry services in the Bitung area of North Sulawesi and Ternate in North Maluku remain safe and under control despite the regions being affected by an earthquake.
“In the midst of this situation, ASDP ensures that ferry services continue to operate safely, under control, and with a focus on public safety,” Heru said in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 occurred on Thursday (2/4) at 05:48 WIB.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located at coordinates 1.25 degrees north latitude and 126.27 degrees east longitude, or precisely in the sea at a distance of 129 km southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 33 km. The quake had the potential for a tsunami and was followed by several aftershocks.
Heru emphasised that his company acted swiftly to respond to the situation by ensuring all operations, particularly in the affected areas such as Ternate and Bitung, continue optimally with increased vigilance across all lines.
“We ensure that all operational lines move quickly and in a coordinated manner. The readiness of the fleet, personnel, as well as strengthened monitoring of information and coordination with stakeholders, are key to keeping services running safely and under control,” he stated.
He conveyed that monitoring results in the ASDP Bitung Branch area show that port facilities, parking areas, and waiting rooms are in safe condition.
Operational activities are proceeding normally with relatively calm sea conditions, allowing ferry services to continue without significant disruptions.
Six vessels serving a total of 11 routes are also reported to be in good condition, whether docked or at sea. All crew members and employees are confirmed safe, and services to users continue smoothly.
The KMP Ranaka, which serves the Bitung-Tobelo route, is currently operating safely and under control. Previously, the vessel was about 65 miles from the earthquake’s epicentre, but operations continue with safety aspects in mind.
One of the routes with the highest traffic in the area, namely Bitung-Ternate, continues to operate normally and optimally to date.
Ferry services on this route are supported by the KMP Dalente Woba and KMP Portlink VIII fleets, which operate on schedule to ensure the smooth mobility of passengers and the distribution of logistics remains maintained.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of the ASDP Ternate Branch, Mushar Usman, stated that ferry operations at Bastiong, Rum, and Sidangole Ports continue normally. There are no reports of damage to port facilities, vessels, or work environments.
As a precautionary measure against aftershocks, the company has implemented a work-from-home policy for non-operational employees. However, operational services continue fully to ensure the public’s mobility needs are met.
With ongoing strengthened preparedness, ASDP is committed to maintaining inter-regional connectivity while prioritising safety as the utmost concern in every service.