ASDP Pioneer Ferries Link Kupang and Adonara via Deri, but Direct Route Unclear

Kupang — PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) has restarted pioneer ferry services linking Kupang with Adonara and other islands in East Nusa Tenggara, but available reports do not confirm a dedicated Bolok–Deri round trip operating as a standalone route.

According to a July 20, 2026 report from Indonesian broadcaster Metro TV, ASDP resumed several pioneer crossings in the province using the vessel KMP Ile Mandiri, including services on the Adonara (Deri)–Baranusa, Baranusa–Bakalang and Bakalang–Kalabahi routes under the Kupang branch. The same report states that these routes are part of ASDP’s efforts to support connectivity to outer islands following coordination with the Ministry of Transportation.

Separate government transport documents list Deri in Adonara and Bolok near Kupang among the ferry ports connected by pioneer services, but they describe the network in terms of multiple linked segments rather than a single direct Bolok–Deri shuttle. A 2020 annual report from the Directorate General of Land Transportation notes crossings such as Adonara (Deri)–Waijarang, Solor–Waijarang and Bolok–Solor among the pioneer routes served in the region.

Role of Deri and Bolok in the regional network

Deri ferry port on Adonara Island connects local communities to both Lembata and Timor. An entry in an Indonesian-language reference describes Deri as a ferry terminal in Duablolong village, Ile Boleng subdistrict, Flores Timur, linking Adonara with Waijarang on Lembata and with Bolok ferry port near Kupang on Timor. The same source notes that Deri has a single operational berth used alternately for different routes.

Bolok ferry port, located west of Kupang city, functions as a key passenger and vehicle hub for sea transport in Nusa Tenggara Timur. A Ministry of Transportation service profile states that Bolok has two ferry berths with moveable bridge systems and associated land facilities including a terminal building, parking area and management offices, and is managed directly by ASDP. These facilities support services on regional routes such as Kupang–Sabu and Kupang–Aimere as well as pioneer links.

Recent infrastructure and fare information

ASDP and the Ministry of Transportation completed a major revitalisation of Bolok’s berths in early 2021, upgrading capacity to accommodate larger ferries. Media coverage at the time reported that the project, valued at around Rp36 billion, produced two moveable-bridge berths capable of serving ships up to 5,000 gross tons on the newer berth. The revitalised infrastructure was inaugurated alongside the deployment of vessels such as KMP Jatra I on routes from Kupang to Rote and other destinations.

Separately, a fare schedule issued through the Ministry of Home Affairs public information portal lists tariffs for crossings labelled “Kupang–Adonara” and “Adonara–Kupang” under ASDP’s services. The document sets passenger and vehicle fares in rupiah for that relation, indicating that a formal tariff exists for a connection between Kupang and Adonara, although it does not spell out the operational pattern, intermediate stops or frequency of voyages.

What travellers should check directly

Because available public sources focus on infrastructure, network planning and pioneer-route resumptions rather than detailed timetables, travellers planning to reach Adonara via Deri from Kupang should confirm current schedules, operating days and ticketing arrangements directly with ASDP’s Kupang branch or with the relevant port authorities. Official contacts published by ASDP’s Kupang office provide a channel for up-to-date information on sailings, vessel assignments and any weather-related adjustments.

Travellers should also clarify whether services between Kupang and Adonara run as a continuous voyage involving Deri and intermediate ports such as Solor or Lembata, or as separate legs that require transfers. Government transport reports and fare tables show that Deri, Waijarang, Solor and Bolok are part of the same network of pioneer and regular crossings, but they do not specify a daily direct Bolok–Deri ferry in mid-2026.

Given the importance of these routes for island communities — including movement of agricultural products and access to regional centres — confirmation of operating details, cargo rules and port facilities is essential for both residents and visitors using Kupang as a gateway to Adonara and surrounding islands.

Sources

• Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Deri - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia
• Laporan Tahunan Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Darat 2020
• ASDP Buka Lagi Layanan Penyeberangan Perintis di NTT Mulai Hari Ini
• ASDP Mulai Operasikan KMP Jatra I di NTT
• ASDP dan Kemenhub Operasikan KMP Jatra I dan KMP Namparnos di Kupang
• Daftar Tarif Penyeberangan PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry