Rupiah Weakening Puts Pressure on Ferry Operators' Operational Costs

The operating conditions for ferry transport services are becoming increasingly difficult. The weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar is placing significant pressure on the operational costs of ferry companies. Based on Bank Indonesia’s transaction rate as of 9 June 2026, the rupiah exchange rate was around Rp18,136 per US dollar. For businesses under the National Association of River, Lake, and Ferry Transport Operators (Gapasdap), this situation is increasingly challenging. Gapasdap Chairman Khoiri Soetomo believes this condition directly impacts various cost components heavily dependent on foreign currency. This is because, at the same time, global oil prices remain at a high level, around US$94 per barrel. ‘The combination of the rupiah weakening and high global oil prices has further increased vessel operational burdens,’ Khoiri said on Tuesday (9/6/2026). He further explained that vessel operational costs continue to rise, whilst company revenues remain relatively unchanged because ferry tariffs have not yet been adjusted. ‘The impact of the rupiah weakening is most felt in vessel maintenance costs. Almost all cost components have risen quite significantly,’ he stated. Khoiri detailed that spare part prices have risen by around 30-40 per cent, oil by up to 60 per cent, while ship docking costs have increased by about 20 per cent, as conveyed by Iperindo, the shipyard association. This condition automatically intensifies the pressure on ferry transport companies. ‘Currently, the prevailing tariffs are far behind the calculation of the Cost of Goods Sold (HPP),’ he stressed. Based on the 2019 HPP calculation referring to prevailing laws and regulations, conducted together with the Ministry of Transportation, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI), ASDP as the port facilitator, insurance parties, and ferry transport associations, the current ferry tariffs are still 31.8 per cent short of the actual cost requirements. If calculated based on current conditions, where the rupiah exchange rate has breached the level above Rp18,000 per US dollar and various cost components have increased, the gap between tariffs and operational costs is widening further. ‘According to Gapasdap’s calculations, the tariff shortfall has now even reached around 83 per cent of the required costs,’ he explained. Under Law No. 17/2008 on Shipping, ferry transport companies are obliged to meet shipping safety and comfort standards. Yet, Khoiri stressed that tariffs, as the main source of company revenue, do not yet reflect actual operational costs. He said this condition cannot be allowed to persist for too long because it is directly linked to shipping safety. ‘Safety and comfort require adequate funding. It is difficult for companies to meet all safety standards if the prevailing tariff structure remains far behind the increase in operational costs,’ he said. Therefore, Gapasdap hopes the government can view this issue comprehensively. Tariff adjustment is not solely about business interests but also concerns the sustainability of national ferry transport services and the fulfilment of safety and comfort standards for the public. If this condition does not receive immediate attention, ferry transport companies will find it increasingly difficult to operate vessels sustainably. ‘Ultimately, the companies’ ability to maintain safety, comfort, and service continuity standards for the public will come under increasing pressure,’ he concluded.