ASDP: Ferry Services in Bitung and Ternate Remain Safe
The President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), Heru Widodo, has guaranteed that ferry services in the Bitung area of North Sulawesi and Ternate in North Maluku remain safe and under control despite the regions being affected by the earthquake.
“In the midst of this situation, ASDP ensures that ferry services continue to operate safely, under control, and with a focus on public safety,” Heru said in Jakarta on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
Based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), an earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude occurred on Thursday, 2 April 2026, at 05:48 WIB.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located at coordinates 1.25° North latitude and 126.27° East longitude, or precisely in the sea 129 km southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 33 km. This earthquake had the potential for a tsunami and was followed by several aftershocks.
Heru emphasised that his company acted swiftly to respond to the situation by ensuring all operations, particularly in the affected areas such as Ternate and Bitung, continue optimally with increased vigilance across all lines.
“We ensure that all operational lines move quickly and in a coordinated manner. The readiness of the fleet, personnel, as well as strengthened monitoring of information and coordination with stakeholders, are key to keeping services running safely and under control,” he stated.
He conveyed that monitoring results in the ASDP Bitung Branch area show that port facilities, parking areas, and waiting rooms are in safe condition.
Operational activities are proceeding normally with relatively calm sea conditions, allowing ferry services to be carried out without significant obstacles.
Six vessels serving a total of 11 routes were also reported to be in good condition, whether docked or at sea. All crew members and employees are confirmed safe, and services to passengers continue smoothly.
The KMP Ranaka, which serves the Bitung–Tobelo route, is currently operating safely and under control. Previously, the vessel was about 65 miles from the earthquake’s epicentre, but operations continue with safety aspects in mind.
One of the routes with the highest traffic in the area, namely Bitung–Ternate, is still operating normally and optimally to date.
Ferry services on this route are supported by the KMP Dalente Woba and KMP Portlink VIII fleets, which operate on schedule to ensure the smooth mobility of passengers and the maintenance of logistics distribution.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of the ASDP Ternate Branch, Mushar Usman, stated that ferry operations at Bastiong, Rum, and Sidangole Ports continue normally. There are no reports of damage to port facilities, vessels, or the work environment.
As a precautionary measure against aftershocks, ASDP has implemented a work-from-home policy for non-operational employees. However, operational services continue fully to ensure that the public’s mobility needs are met.
With ongoing strengthened preparedness, ASDP is committed to maintaining inter-regional connectivity while placing safety as the top priority in every service.