ASDP Explores Surabaya–Lewoleba Ro-Ro Route, Targets Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2026

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is exploring the opening of a long-distance roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry route, known as Long Distance Ferry (LDF), directly connecting Surabaya with the town of Lewoleba in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The plan emerged during discussions between ASDP management and the Lembata Regency Government held at Kuma Resort, Lewoleba, on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. The meeting was attended by the Regent of Lembata along with local government officials, including Assistants I, II, and III, the heads of the Transportation, Industry and Trade, and Fisheries agencies, as well as expedition business operators such as Trans Lembata and Rusto Ekspedisi. Group Head of Commercial Shipping Business at PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, Rizky Dwianda, stated that the company is committed to expanding shipping services to eastern Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara. According to Rizky, ASDP is currently developing long-distance routes with operational bases in Surabaya and Kupang, with several routes already mapped out to support goods distribution and passenger mobility. “We want to understand the needs of business operators in Lembata. The region’s potential is considerable and we are ready to discuss finding the best solution. What we need is input regarding commodities, logistical needs, and the existing business ecosystem,” he said. He explained that ASDP currently operates nine vessels in the Kupang area and has various ship types with small, medium, and large capacities that can be adapted to route requirements. According to him, the presence of long-distance Ro-Ro ferries can help reduce logistics costs while opening broader market access for agricultural produce and fishery products from Lembata. Rizky also conveyed that ASDP is prepared to serve routes deemed not yet commercially attractive as part of its commitment to public service. “We want to ensure the ships deployed match the region’s needs. Therefore, we need to understand the market conditions and the real needs of the community and business operators,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Regent of Lembata welcomed the plan to open the route. He assessed that the presence of direct Ro-Ro ferries from Surabaya would provide significant benefits to the community, particularly students pursuing education in Java, farmers, fishermen, and business operators. According to the Regent, the new shipping service must offer competitive fares, and its benefits should be felt by all levels of society, not just a select few. “ASDP’s presence must be a solution to reduce transportation costs, which have been expensive so far. This is a state-owned enterprise, so its orientation must also be towards public service,” he asserted. The Regent even set a target for the inaugural sailing of the Surabaya–Lewoleba route to be carried out on 12 October 2026, coinciding with the commemoration of Regional Autonomy Day. However, he acknowledged that several technical stages still need to be completed. In addition, he stressed that the route to be opened must make Lembata the main stopover point. There is even an opportunity to develop routes connecting Surabaya, Lewoleba, Atapupu, and onwards to Timor Leste. Regarding infrastructure readiness, the Regent urged all parties to jointly consider upgrading port facilities, including the possible construction of supporting infrastructure and comprehensive port improvements, so that expedition activities can develop with an operational base in Lembata. At the end of the meeting, the Regent asked all stakeholders to provide support to realise the maiden voyage plan according to the target. He also appreciated the support from neighbouring local governments such as East Flores and Alor, which are ready to support inter-regional connectivity development in East Nusa Tenggara. “Our main goal is to serve the people and accelerate development so that Lembata is not left behind by other regions,” he concluded.