ASDP Prioritises Passenger Safety as Top Concern in Ferry Services

State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has confirmed that passenger safety and comfort are its top priorities, ensuring travellers reach their destinations securely. “Safety and comfort have been priorities from the outset and are non-negotiable,” said ASDP President Director Heru Widodo during a press tour in Luwuk, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday. He was responding to media queries regarding several minor incidents on ferries operated by the company. He stated that safety and comfort are not only aimed at passengers but also at the transport of staple goods and motor vehicles, which are also priorities that cannot be overlooked. “When a ship is about to depart, is sailing, and arriving at its destination, fatal accidents must be prevented and all operational standards must be ensured to be met and implemented,” Heru said. Regarding natural disturbances causing waves as ships dock, he acknowledged this is unavoidable and frequently occurs at nearly all ports served by the ferries. Nonetheless, before departure, the crew has already studied weather forecasts provided by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which possesses sophisticated equipment, allowing them to anticipate undesirable events. “We continuously coordinate with relevant parties so that weather conditions can be anticipated, thus preventing fatal accidents,” he said. Heru also noted that another concern is passengers smoking on board, which has led to fires on several ferries. To prevent fires caused by cigarettes, the company persistently conducts education and outreach regarding the prohibition of smoking and the dangers of smoking for collective safety.