Governor requests ferry support to Palue for aid distribution

Kupang (ANTARA) - East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has asked the central government for support to send a ferry vessel serving the Maumere–Palue Island route in Sikka Regency, in order to smooth the distribution of earthquake relief logistics.

“With your permission, sir, if possible there could be one ferry that can enter and continue serving the Sikka–Palue route, because that is the island most affected,” he said in Kupang on Monday afternoon.

He made the remarks during a limited meeting on the progress of natural disaster response, held online with President Prabowo, several TNI-Polri leaders and seven regional heads in Flores affected by the earthquake.

According to him, with a ferry in place, the distribution of aid to earthquake victims on the island could proceed smoothly.

In response, President Prabowo immediately ordered that one ferry from ASDP be dispatched promptly to replace a vessel that is due to enter dry dock in the near future.

Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi said the ferry requested by the East Nusa Tenggara Governor would be sent from Surabaya on Tuesday (8/9).

“With the President’s permission, the ferry has been prepared, and as of the 8th it will be dispatched to the location as requested by the Governor, from Surabaya,” he said.

He said the ferry, owned by PT ASDP, has just completed docking and will be sent directly to Palue.