ASDP deploys two ferries to aid post-earthquake recovery in NTT
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has deployed two ferries to support post-earthquake recovery in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) by mobilising personnel, vehicles, equipment and aid to affected areas.
“In NTT, maritime connectivity is one of the key routes to ensure support can reach communities affected by the earthquake,” said ASDP President Director Heru Widodo, confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said the company has deployed two robust vessels, KMP Ile Labalekan and KMP Ile Ape, to support post-earthquake handling and recovery in NTT.
He noted that the two vessels carry different support according to needs on the ground, but share the same goal of helping accelerate the recovery of affected communities and areas.
“As part of humanitarian support, the mobilisation of personnel, vehicles, equipment and disaster relief aid through these two vessels is free of charge,” he said.
The support is a form of commitment by the state-owned ferry operator to help ensure emergency response needs can move quickly to affected communities.
Previously, on Tuesday (18/8), KMP Ile Ape departed from Kewapante Port, Maumere, bound for Palue, Sikka Regency. The vessel carried Sikka Police personnel, medical workers, vehicles and heavy equipment needed to support evacuation and material handling efforts following the disaster.
Heru said that in emergency situations, ferry connectivity plays a strategic role because it allows personnel, medical workers, equipment and resources to move towards areas requiring support.
ASDP is committed to supporting disaster response in NTT through its ferry connectivity. The mobilisation of personnel, medical workers and heavy equipment is an important part of accelerating the handling and recovery process in affected areas.
KMP Ile Ape departed from Kewapante at 17.30 WITA and arrived in Palue at 22.25 WITA. The voyage carried 35 adult passengers, comprising Sikka Police personnel, including five doctors, as well as vehicles and supporting equipment for disaster response.
The cargo carried included six Class II R-2 vehicles, three Class IV R-4 goods vehicles, and two Class IX excavator heavy equipment units. The equipment will be used to assist evacuation and material handling in the disaster-affected area of Palue, Sikka Regency.
Previously, KMP Ile Labalekan had also been deployed to support the mobilisation of aid for communities affected by the earthquake in NTT. The presence of the two vessels strengthens ASDP’s role in ensuring disaster response needs can move through ferry routes.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale added that humanitarian support continues to prioritise voyage safety and operational readiness.
“KMP Ile Ape was dispatched after coordination with relevant parties and obtaining an operating permit from the local harbourmaster office. The vessel’s condition and all crew members are also in good health,” Windy explained.
As the national ferry operator, ASDP will continue to coordinate with the government, authorities and relevant agencies to support aid mobilisation needs in the NTT region.
Support is provided through vessels, port facilities and ferry connectivity so that needed resources can move more quickly to affected communities.
In disaster situations, Windy added, connectivity becomes the route through which help arrives, bringing people to assist, equipment to restore, and hope so that the people of NTT can recover swiftly.