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

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has deployed additional vessels and accelerated ferry service cycles to alleviate vehicle queues on the Padang Bai–Lembar route, which have increased due to the diversion of transport flows.

ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale stated that to address the congestion, the company, alongside regulators and all vessel operators on the Padang Bai–Lembar route, is strengthening services by gradually increasing transport capacity. Two additional ships began operating on the route on Friday (13/6), followed by another on Saturday (14/6).

ASDP acted swiftly to respond to the surge in vehicle and passenger traffic on the Padang Bai–Lembar route that has occurred since last weekend. Through intensive coordination with regulators and all stakeholders, ASDP has adjusted operational patterns and strengthened service capacity to maintain smooth crossings and accelerate the movement of service users.

Windy explained that the increase in traffic became apparent on Friday (13/6) and peaked on Sunday (14/6) afternoon, at which point vehicle queues towards Padang Bai Port reached approximately 3 kilometres. This condition was triggered by the temporary suspension of operations for vessels owned by PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP), which serve the Tanjung Wangi, Banyuwangi–Gili Mas, Lombok route, causing much of the vehicle movement to shift to the Padang Bai–Lembar route.

She noted that the company had taken anticipatory measures since the initial detection of the increased vehicle flow. ASDP, together with the Land Transportation Management Office (BPTD) and the Harbour Master and Port Authority Office (KSOP), continues to monitor ferry traffic developments in real time.

“When a significant increase occurs, we immediately adjust operational patterns by increasing service capacity and accelerating berthing times so that transport capacity can increase and queues can be cleared promptly,” she said.

To accommodate the surge, ASDP and stakeholders have implemented various operational acceleration steps, including reducing port time to approximately 1.5 hours, allowing vessels to complete more trips within the same period. This effort has proven effective in increasing transport capacity and accelerating service.

General Manager of ASDP Lembar Branch, Handoyo Priyanto, explained that when queues peaked on Sunday (14/6), service reinforcement was further implemented with the arrival of KMP Naraya and KMP Shita Giri Nusa, operated by private operators. Subsequently, from Sunday night to Monday (15/6) morning, services were strengthened through the operation of KMP Parama Kalyani, KMP Sindu Dwitama, and KMP Athayana. These steps successfully increased transport capacity and accelerated the clearing of vehicle queues.

Due to these acceleration measures, the queue situation began to ease from Sunday night and continued to improve through Monday morning. “Currently, the flow of vehicles and passengers on the Padang Bai–Lembar route is back under control, with ferry services operating normally,” said Handoyo.

The Padang Bai–Lembar route is served by 24 vessels, including ASDP’s fleet, KMP Roditha and KMP Portlink II. Of the total fleet, four ships are currently undergoing docking to ensure safety, operational reliability, and service quality.

From January to May 2026, the Padang Bai–Lembar (round trip) route has served 122,748 passengers and 271,707 vehicles. This achievement underscores the strategic role of the route as a primary link for public mobility, logistics distribution, and inter-island economic activity. “As a national ferry bridge, we will continue to maintain service reliability as part of our efforts to strengthen Indonesian connectivity,” said Handoyo.