ASDP Prepares Alternative Paths To Support Smooth Mobilization Of The Community And Logistics To IKN

Photo: Doc. Antara

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has prepared an alternative crossing route to support smooth community mobilization and logistics transportation to the capital city of Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan.

"One form of ASDP support in supporting connectivity at IKN, one of which is preparing an alternative route connecting Kariangau, Balikpapan with Balang Bantang Short Island, Penajam," said ASDP Corporate Secretary Shelvy Arifin in a statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Friday 2 August.

He said that the presence of ASDP at IKN also played a strategic role in ensuring the smooth mobilization of the community and logistics. Not only providing adequate public transportation services through sea crossings, ASDP is also committed to maintaining the availability of goods supply for the people in the area.

"This step aims to facilitate community mobilization towards IKN, especially to support the celebration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony at IKN," he said.

He stated that the location of IKN in North Penajam Paser Regency is part of the operational area of ASDP Balikpapan Branch at Penajam Ferry Port.

"Seeing the enthusiasm of the community and the potential for increased service users at the Indonesian Independence Day, ASDP is preparing an alternative route to anticipate congestion on the regular route," explained Shelvy.

Access to IKN can now be reached by land or the Penajam-Kariangau route, Balikpapan, which takes about 60 minutes with a distance of 6 miles, followed by a 1.5 hour road trip.

ASDP operates four ships out of a total of 18 ships for 24 hours on the track including KMP Poncan Moale, KMP Goropa, KMP Dingkis, and KMP Gajah Mada.

"We will activate the alternative route of Kariangau- Balang Island if there is a density on the land route or regular track. We are waiting for further directions, but ASDP is ready to operate this route to ensure smooth mobilization ahead of the RI Anniversary celebration at IKN," he added.

ASDP has prepared three ships on the alternative route to transport vehicles and passengers to IKN, with a distance of 9.5 miles which takes about 1.5 hours.

"With the land route from Balang Island Port to IKN which is closer than Penajam, we hope that this alternative route can facilitate the series of events for the 79th Indonesian Independence Day at IKN," said Shelvy.

ASDP noted that in the first semester of 2024, 58,163 vehicles had crossed the Penajam-Kariangau Cross, Balikpapan. As a state-owned enterprise, ASDP continues to be committed to supporting the smooth delivery of logistics goods between regions.

The number of logistics vehicles dispatched increased with a total of 58,163 units, more than 500 vehicles compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, ASDP Vabang Balikpapan during Semester I, has served a total of 184,103 vehicles consisting of 61,760 units of two-wheeled vehicles, 62,150 units of four-wheeled vehicles, 2,030 units of buses, and 58,163 units of goods vehicles.

He said supply of staples and buildings was one of the commodities transported by ASDP ships. The use of the crossing route is an option because the presence of ASDP ships on the Penajam-Kariangau track is able to shorten the travel time by half, which was previously approximately 4 hours to 2 hours.

"In this case, ASDP continues to strive to ensure that the public interest is served and provide excellent service to all service users," said Shelvy.