Waikelo–Sape Ferry Route Reopens, Linking Sumba and Sumbawa

Labuan Bajo — The Waikelo–Sape ferry route linking Southwest Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara and Bima in West Nusa Tenggara has been brought back into service, with the inaugural public sailing held on Sunday, 24 May 2026 at Waikelo Port in Kota Tambolaka District, Southwest Sumba Regency, according to the regency administration and national public information services.

The reopening ceremony was led by Southwest Sumba Regent Ratu Ngadu Bonnu Wulla, accompanied by Deputy Regent Dominikus Alphawan Rangga Kaka, and officials from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry’s Sape branch at the Class III Waikelo Port. The event was marked by the departure of the first passengers on the ferry KMP Cakalang from Waikelo to Sape, restoring a sea link that local authorities say had not operated for a considerable period.

The renewed crossing adds another option for travellers moving between Sumba and Sumbawa and for cargo moving between East and West Nusa Tenggara. Local government statements describe the route as strategically important for inter-provincial connectivity and for supporting regional economic recovery.

Authorities highlight logistics and public services

Southwest Sumba Regent Ratu Ngadu Bonnu Wulla has framed the Waikelo–Sape line as a key artery for moving agricultural, livestock and fishery products, as well as supplies needed for production. She said the reopening is intended to widen market access for local producers and to lower logistics barriers between the two provinces.

According to the regency’s communications department, the crossing is also expected to improve access to public services such as emergency medical referrals and education-related facilities for communities on Sumba. Regional officials describe the move as part of a broader effort to accelerate economic recovery and strengthen public services after the route’s long inactivity.

During the ceremony, the regent instructed port authorities, relevant central-government transport agencies and local government offices to supervise operations in an orderly and professional manner. She called for services to be provided without illegal charges and urged that port activities generate economic benefits for surrounding communities.

Operator and route details

The restored service is operated in coordination with PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) through its Sape branch, using the ferry KMP Cakalang on the Waikelo–Sape route. Regional reports describe the voyage on 24 May 2026 as the ferry’s first official operation on this line, carrying passengers from Waikelo to Sape.

Local transport coverage indicates that ASDP also deploys another vessel, KMP Cucut, on routes connecting Sape with ports in Sumba, with both KMP Cakalang and KMP Cucut serving links between Sape and Waikelo or Waingapu. However, the official reopening ceremony in Southwest Sumba focused on KMP Cakalang’s inauguration on the Waikelo–Sape leg.

Subsequent regional economic reports from Bima note that the local government has requested ASDP to extend the operational permit for the Sape–Waikelo ferry route to ensure continued service, alongside proposals for new routes from Sape to Makassar. This indicates that authorities on both sides of the strait view the Waikelo–Sape connection as an ongoing corridor rather than a one-off trial.

Potential tourism gateway

Southwest Sumba officials are positioning Waikelo Port not only as a transport facility but also as an entry point for promoting the regency’s cultural and tourism assets. Government communications highlight natural attractions and cultural traditions in the area and present the ferry link as a way to channel visitors and tourism investment into Southwest Sumba.

Regional media describe the revived line as strategic for supporting connectivity between districts and provinces and for stimulating economic growth in communities on both islands. In parallel, travel-oriented guides have begun publishing sailing schedules and passenger fares for the Sape–Waikelo route served by KMP Cakalang and KMP Cucut, pointing to regular nighttime departures from Sape and morning departures from Waikelo on specific days of the week.

Local officials have appealed to residents and port users to help maintain security, order and cleanliness in and around Waikelo Port. The regent has also stressed that navigation safety should remain the main priority for ASDP and vessel crews, alongside consistent and humane passenger service.

Sources

• InfoPublik – Sumba Barat Daya Hidupkan Kembali Jalur Penyeberangan Waikelo–Sape
• Website Resmi Pemerintah Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya – Pengoperasian Perdana KMP Cakalang pada Lintasan Waikelo–Sape
• IDN Times NTB – KMP Cakalang Berlayar Perdana di Rute Waikelo NTT – Sape NTB
• Ekbis NTB – Rute Sape–Makassar, Pemkab Bima Berharap Buka Peluang Pasar Produk Bima
• Kata Omed – Jadwal Kapal Fery Dari Pelabuhan Sape Bima ke Waikelo Sumba