ASDP Explores Opening Dumai–Malacca Ferry Route
Plans to open an international ferry route between Dumai and Malacca are being explored to improve maritime connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia. The route could provide passenger transport while supporting mobility and economic activity in both countries.
State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has partnered with Parameswara Ferry Terminal to assess the feasibility of the crossing. The cooperation was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at ASDP’s head office.
ASDP Operations and Transformation Director Rio Lasse said the exploration of the Dumai–Malacca route was still at an early stage. The two companies will assess market potential, operational readiness, investment requirements and the international ferry regulations in force in Indonesia and Malaysia.
“The signing of this MoU is an initial step for ASDP and Parameswara Ferry Terminal to evaluate the potential of the Dumai–Malacca route comprehensively,” Rio said in a written statement in Jakarta on Saturday (17 October 2026).
Rio said the study was necessary to establish whether the route had adequate business prospects. In addition to passenger demand, the companies will estimate potential traffic, assess port infrastructure readiness and identify the technical requirements for operating vessels.
“This cooperation provides a basis for both parties to conduct a comprehensive business study, covering potential market demand, projected passenger traffic, technical and operational aspects, port infrastructure readiness, and cross-border regulatory and licensing matters,” Rio said.
Under the cooperation, ASDP and Parameswara Ferry Terminal will exchange data and information to support the feasibility study. The review will also consider possible cooperation arrangements and business models, investment requirements, operating costs, revenue projections and financial viability indicators.
The study’s findings will be used to decide whether the Dumai–Malacca route should proceed to the next stage. Any decision to launch the service will therefore take account of infrastructure readiness, market demand and potential profitability.
Rio said developing an international route would also require coordination with the authorities of both countries. This would help identify licensing requirements, operating rules and the steps that must be completed before ferry services can begin.
Although the MoU has been signed, ASDP stressed that no decision has been made on launching the route or the amount of any investment.
“This MoU is an initial framework for carrying out a business study and does not constitute a commitment to launch the route or make an investment,” Rio said.
Rio said working with a terminal operator in Malaysia gave both companies an opportunity to identify the prospects and challenges involved in developing the ferry service. The assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of market potential and the economic benefits that could be generated.
ASDP considers the Dumai–Malacca route a potential alternative for international maritime connectivity if the study finds it commercially and operationally viable. The development is also expected to support people’s mobility and economic ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The signing ceremony was attended by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo; Indonesian Transport Attaché in Kuala Lumpur Sindu Rahayu; Economic Function Coordinator Fifi Afianita Firdaus; and Indonesian Trade Attaché in Kuala Lumpur Aziza Rahmaniar Salam.
Representing Malaysia were Parameswara Ferry Terminal Executive Director Datuk Shahrull Allam Shah bin Abdul Halim and Operations Director MD Yusshalman bin MD Yusof.