The state ferry operator will begin phased port sterilization on July 20, introducing digital access controls and tighter security measures to improve safety, operational efficiency and ferry service reliability nationwide
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) will begin the phased implementation of a port sterilization program at six ferry ports on July 20, introducing digital access controls and stricter security measures to improve operational safety and efficiency.
The state-owned ferry operator this week conducted outreach activities at Merak, Bakauheni, Ketapang, Gilimanuk, Kayangan and Lembar ports ahead of the program’s soft launch.
The initiative is part of ASDP’s broader operational transformation aimed at strengthening the management of ferry terminals as critical national transport infrastructure. The company said the program will integrate digital registration, facial recognition technology, zone-based access controls and a One Gate System to regulate access to port facilities.
ASDP said the measures are intended to improve security, operational discipline and service reliability while ensuring that people, vehicles and activities within port areas can be identified, verified and monitored.
The program is being implemented under Indonesia’s Shipping Law No. 17 of 2008, Transportation Ministry Regulation No. 91 of 2021 on ferry port zoning, and other regulations governing the protection of strategic transportation infrastructure.
“Port sterilization is not simply about controlling access but about transforming the way we manage operations,” Rio Lasse, ASDP’s Director of Operations and Transformation, said in a statement.
“Through digital access management, facial recognition, clear zoning and the One Gate System, we are strengthening the security of vital facilities while improving operational reliability and service quality.”
Preparations at Merak Port, one of Indonesia’s busiest ferry terminals, have intensified over the past two weeks. ASDP, working with government agencies and other stakeholders, has conducted joint patrols, public awareness campaigns and access control measures to ensure only authorized personnel can enter operational areas.
The company is also reorganizing street vendors through registration, designated trading locations and official identification. Additional security measures include expanded CCTV coverage, guardrails, improved lighting, directional signage and surveillance posts.
At Bakauheni Port, ASDP said it is completing infrastructure upgrades and coordinating with regulators, shipping operators and security authorities. Preparations include registering authorized users through the facial recognition system, reorganizing vehicle traffic flows and strengthening integrated surveillance supported by digital monitoring technology.
Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said public outreach was essential to ensure stakeholders understood the purpose of the initiative before full implementation.
“This transformation requires a shared commitment from all stakeholders,” Windy said. “The objective is not to restrict public activity but to establish a stronger culture of safety, security, discipline and service excellence while creating ferry ports that are more modern, efficient and aligned with international standards.”
ASDP said the port sterilization program forms part of its long-term strategy to modernize Indonesia’s ferry network and support safer, more reliable transport links across the archipelago.