ASDP Ferries 63 Aid Vehicles on Labuan Bajo–Sape Route

Labuan Bajo — PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry’s Labuan Bajo–Sape route has been used to move at least 63 vehicles carrying humanitarian aid for communities affected by the recent Flores earthquake, according to a report published by Tribun Flores on 16 September 2026, based on data from the company’s local branch.

The ferry link connects western Flores with Sape in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, and has become one of the corridors used to keep relief supplies, equipment and personnel moving into the affected areas of Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Tribun Flores cited General Manager PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Labuan Bajo–Sape Branch, Ronaldo Hutabarat, as saying that the vehicles originated from a range of contributors, including regional governments, state agencies, private companies, mass organisations and volunteer groups.

In the interview conducted on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, Hutabarat said ASDP is providing special facilities for volunteer groups, including exemption from ferry charges for vehicles used in the humanitarian response.

According to Tribun Flores, ASDP’s Labuan Bajo–Sape service has, during the current response, transported at least 63 aid-related vehicles.

• Vehicles have included trucks and light vehicles carrying rice, public‑kitchen equipment, tents and other basic necessities.
• Ambulances and rescue vehicles have also been moved via the route.
• Heavy equipment such as a mini excavator and logistics trucks have been transported to support evacuation and recovery work.

Documentation and safety requirements

Hutabarat stressed that fee exemptions for volunteers do not remove the obligation to follow shipping procedures.

ASDP requires every aid vehicle to be accompanied by covering documentation explaining the purpose of the mobilization, and each vehicle and its cargo must be recorded in the vessel’s manifest.

These requirements are intended to ensure that the urgency of relief movements is balanced with navigational safety and operational control.

The Tribun Flores report did not specify whether the fee exemption applies to all aid vehicles or only those operated directly by volunteer organisations.

Role of ASDP in Flores earthquake response

The earthquake that struck parts of Nusa Tenggara Timur in mid‑August 2026 prompted adjustments to ASDP’s operations and the deployment of additional ferry capacity to support relief logistics, according to transport and government statements.

Earlier in the response, ASDP and the Ministry of Transportation highlighted the role of ferries such as KMP Ile Labalekan and KMP Ile Ape in carrying trucks, ambulances and heavy equipment from Kupang to Ende and other Flores ports to support evacuation and distribution of aid.

Separate reports from broadcasters and government agencies have described ferries operated by ASDP, including KMP Inerie II, transporting food supplies, clean water, tents and other essential goods from Surabaya and Kupang to Maumere and Pulau Palue.

In this wider context, the Labuan Bajo–Sape service has functioned as a bridge for vehicles and personnel entering and leaving western Flores, complementing other sea routes used in the NTT relief operation.

The figure of 63 vehicles cited by the Labuan Bajo–Sape branch reflects movements recorded up to the date of Hutabarat’s interview on 15 September 2026. The available reports do not provide a breakdown by destination, operator or crossing date, and do not detail how ordinary passenger and commercial traffic has been affected.

Sources

• Tribun Flores / Pos Kupang
• Republika
• ASDP Indonesia Ferry – official press release