ASDP: Express 1 Service Returns to Normal After KMP Batumandi Incident
Jakarta (ANTARA) – PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has confirmed that ferry services at Merak Port’s Executive (Express) 1 pier have been operating normally again since the early hours of Wednesday (21 October), after being affected by the fire aboard KMP Batumandi.
“Services were restored in stages, while continuing to prioritise safety and the operational readiness of the vessels,” ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said in Jakarta on Thursday.
He praised everyone who responded swiftly to the incident, from fishing boats and private vessel operators to the relevant agencies involved in the rescue and evacuation.
“We thank all those who acted quickly to help rescue and evacuate passengers from KMP Batumandi,” he said.
He said the support of fishing boats and private vessel operators, along with coordination among the relevant agencies, had been an important part of the response.
“This collaboration demonstrates the importance of working together to ensure the safety of service users,” Heru said.
The first vessel at Express 1 resumed operations on its standard schedule, with a departure at 2.25am Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and a subsequent departure at 3.38am. The previous evening, services had been operated using two vessels as part of adjustments made after the incident.
For Wednesday afternoon (21 October), ASDP had prepared an operating plan using four vessels to help restore service capacity and ensure smooth ferry traffic.
Alongside restoring operations, the company said the needs of affected passengers remained a priority.
Assistance is being provided on an ongoing basis in coordination with on-site staff and healthcare facilities, including help with passengers’ basic needs while the response is under way.
On the night of the incident, ASDP also arranged meals for affected passengers. Several passengers received medical treatment at KS Hospital and Merak Community Health Centre.
According to the latest update, three passengers remain under treatment at KS Hospital, while several others have been discharged.
ASDP continues to coordinate with healthcare facilities to monitor passengers’ condition and ensure their medical needs are met.
ASDP Corporate Secretary Windy Andale added that services were being restored with due consideration for conditions on the ground and the readiness of the fleet and supporting facilities.
Vessel schedules are being adjusted in stages so that services can return to optimal levels without compromising safety procedures.
Windy said the company’s focus was to restore ferry services while ensuring that affected passengers received the assistance they needed.
“We continue to coordinate with all relevant parties to monitor operating conditions and ensure each stage of the recovery is carried out carefully,” Windy said.
ASDP said that, as a national connectivity link, safety and security remain its top priorities in every ferry service.
The company is committed to ensuring that the recovery and follow-up after the incident proceed in a measured manner, in accordance with procedures and with passenger safety at the forefront.