ASDP Deploys Extra Vessels to Clear Padang Bai–Lembar Traffic Queue

State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has deployed additional vessels and accelerated service cycles to clear a build-up of vehicles at the Padang Bai–Lembar crossing, following a surge in traffic triggered by the diversion of transport flows. Corporate Secretary Windy Andale stated that to address the congestion, the company, together with regulators and all operators on the route, is strengthening services through a gradual increase in carrying capacity. “On Friday (13/6), two additional vessels began operating on the route, followed by one more on Saturday (14/6),” Windy said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday. ASDP moved swiftly to respond to the spike in vehicle and passenger traffic on the Padang Bai–Lembar crossing, which began last weekend. Through intensive coordination with regulators and all stakeholders, ASDP adjusted operational patterns and bolstered service capacity to maintain smooth crossings and accelerate the movement of service users. Windy explained that the traffic increase became visible from Friday (13/6) and peaked on Sunday (14/6) afternoon, when the queue of vehicles heading to Padang Bai Port reached approximately 3 kilometres. The situation was triggered by the temporary suspension of operations of a vessel owned by PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP) serving the Tanjung Wangi, Banyuwangi–Gili Mas, Lombok route, causing some vehicle movements to shift to the Padang Bai–Lembar crossing. The company took anticipatory measures as soon as the increase in vehicle flow was detected. ASDP, together with the Land Transport Management Agency (BPTD) and the Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), continues to monitor crossing traffic developments in real time. “When a significant increase occurred, we immediately adjusted operational patterns by adding service capacity and accelerating berthing times so that carrying capacity could increase and queues could be cleared,” Windy said. To accommodate the surge, ASDP and stakeholders implemented various operational acceleration measures, including reducing port time to around 1.5 hours so vessels could make more trips in the same period. “This effort proved effective in increasing carrying capacity and speeding up service,” Windy noted. General Manager of ASDP Lembar Branch, Handoyo Priyanto, explained that when queues peaked on Sunday (14/6), service was further strengthened with the entry of KMP Naraya and KMP Shita Giri Nusa, operated by private operators. From Sunday night to Monday (15/6) morning, services were reinforced through the operation of KMP Parama Kalyani, KMP Sindu Dwitama, and KMP Athayana. These steps successfully increased carrying capacity and accelerated the dispersal of vehicle queues. Thanks to these acceleration measures, Handoyo said the queue situation began to ease gradually from Sunday night and continued to improve into Monday morning. “Currently, the flow of vehicles and passengers on the Padang Bai–Lembar route is back under control, with ferry services operating normally,” Handoyo stated. The Padang Bai–Lembar route is served by 24 vessels, including ASDP’s own fleet, KMP Roditha and KMP Portlink II. Of the total fleet, four vessels are currently undergoing docking to ensure safety, operational reliability, and service quality are maintained. Throughout January to May 2026, the Padang Bai–Lembar round-trip route served a total of 122,748 passengers and 271,707 vehicles. This achievement underscores the route’s strategic role as a vital link for community mobility, logistics distribution, and inter-island economic activity. “As a national ferry bridge, we will continue to maintain service reliability as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s connectivity,” Handoyo concluded.