Indonesia Resumes East Nusa Tenggara Ferry Services After Funding Dispute

Ferry services connecting islands in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will resume on Monday, July 20, 2026, after a temporary suspension due to a funding dispute. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) announced the reactivation of cross-strait routes following a directive from the Minister of Transportation.

The services, crucial for the social and economic activities of residents in the archipelago, particularly in remote "3T" (underdeveloped, frontier, outermost) regions, were halted on July 1, 2026. The suspension occurred after the Class II NTT Land Transportation Management Agency (BPTD) stated that the regional government lacked a funding basis for the operational subsidies.

This issue stemmed from the absence of subsidies for pioneer ferry transportation in the State Budget for the second semester of Fiscal Year 2026. The BPTD had formally requested ASDP to cease services funded by the State Budget until further notice via a letter dated June 30, 2026. The NTT Transportation Agency subsequently communicated this policy to the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government.

ASDP Kupang Branch General Manager Ardhani Friandy confirmed that the company has prepared its fleet, crew, and port facilities to ensure operations comply with regulatory provisions. The resumption covers routes managed by ASDP Kupang Branch and Sape Branch, serving areas including Flores, Lembata, Alor, Sabu Raijua, Sikka, West Manggarai, and Waingapu.

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ASDP is ready to resume the pioneer ferry services as per the government's directive. For people in the archipelago, especially in the 3T regions, this service is the main link for social and economic activities.