ASDP Sorong: KMP Kalabia dry-docking to optimise services
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Sorong Branch in Southwest Papua has carried out docking, or annual maintenance, on KMP Kalabia as part of efforts to ensure the vessel remains seaworthy and able to serve the public optimally.
Head of ASDP Sorong Branch, Fahmi Hardie, said in Sorong on Tuesday that KMP Kalabia is the last of the branch’s four vessels to undergo docking this year.
“Of our four ships, this is the final one to carry out docking, namely KMP Kalabia. So for the time being, Kalabia cannot serve its routes,” he said.
He explained that the docking process for KMP Kalabia is expected to take 15 to 20 days. Once maintenance is complete, the vessel must still await the completion of its documents before returning to operation.
According to Fahmi, docking is an annual obligation to ensure vessels remain seaworthy and reliable, while also supporting the aspects of safety, security and service, known as the 3S framework.
“Safety is indeed the top priority in every ASDP operation,” he said.
While KMP Kalabia is undergoing docking, several routes normally served by the vessel are temporarily suspended, namely Sorong-Fakfak, Sorong-Babo and Babo-Bintuni.
Fahmi said these routes cannot yet be taken over by other ASDP vessels because each has been designated to be served by KMP Kalabia.
“Those routes are indeed KMP Kalabia’s routes, so there is no replacement,” he said.
He said ASDP Sorong Branch currently operates four vessels — KMP Kurisi, KMP Terubuk 1, KMP Arar and KMP Kalabia — supporting inter-island connectivity across Southwest Papua and West Papua.
The Sorong Branch, he said, serves a total of 18 routes as part of efforts to maintain connectivity for communities in the island region.
“ASDP not only connects one island to another, but also connects communities with their needs, economic opportunities, education, services and tourism,” he said.
Fahmi added that the company continues to improve service quality, including adapting its digital services to the needs of service users and the geographical conditions of the island region.
According to him, most ASDP services in the area are pioneer sailings assigned by the state to connect communities on islands where transport access remains limited.