PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) on Monday began construction of a second pier and expanded capacity at the existing Pier I at Tanjung Kalian Port in West Bangka, aiming to improve ferry services and strengthen connectivity between the Bangka Belitung Islands and Sumatra.
The project, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by regional government officials and transportation stakeholders, is expected to increase port capacity, improve operational flexibility and support growing passenger, vehicle and logistics traffic on one of the region’s busiest ferry routes.
Tanjung Kalian Port serves as a key transportation gateway linking Bangka Belitung with Sumatra through the Tanjung Kalian–Tanjung Api-Api crossing route.
ASDP President Director Heru Widodo said the development reflects the state-owned ferry operator’s commitment to providing reliable, safe and sustainable transportation services while preparing for rising demand during peak travel periods.
“Port infrastructure plays a crucial role in strengthening connectivity and supporting regional economic growth,” Heru said. “The expansion of Tanjung Kalian Port is part of our efforts to improve ferry services and anticipate increased traffic during major holiday periods such as Eid al-Fitr and the year-end holiday season.”
The ceremony was attended by Bangka Belitung Governor Hidayat Arsani, West Bangka Regent Markus, representatives of transportation authorities, law enforcement agencies, local government institutions and project contractors.
Governor Hidayat welcomed the project, describing Tanjung Kalian Port as a strategic transportation hub for the province.
“During peak travel periods, high passenger and vehicle volumes often create operational challenges,” Hidayat said. “This expansion is expected to improve service quality, enhance safety and comfort for users, and support economic growth in West Bangka and the wider Bangka Belitung region.”
Under the project, ASDP will construct Pier II to accommodate vessels of up to 1,000 gross tons (GT). The new facility will measure 58 meters in length and 13 meters in width.
Meanwhile, Pier I will be upgraded to serve vessels of up to 2,000 GT, with dimensions expanded to 70 meters in length and 15 meters in width.
ASDP said the improvements would increase berth flexibility, reduce vessel waiting times and optimize ferry operations at the port.
Agustinus Cahyo, General Manager of ASDP’s Bangka Branch, said ferry traffic on the Tanjung Kalian–Tanjung Api-Api route has continued to grow.
The route, served by KMP Madani, KMP Mutis and KMP Belanak, transported 76,875 passengers and 58,952 vehicles between January and May 2026, according to company data.
“The volume of traffic on this route highlights the need for stronger infrastructure and additional service capacity,” Agustinus said. “Through these improvements, we aim to create more flexible vessel operations, reduce congestion and provide smoother services for passengers, vehicles and logistics shipments.”
ASDP said the port expansion forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s ferry transportation network and support economic integration between regions.
The company expects the upgraded facilities to improve service reliability, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and contribute to economic development in Bangka Belitung and southern Sumatra.