KMP Hafamati HF Targeted to Begin Operations in October 2026, Serving South Nias

SOUTH NIAS, Jakartaweekly.com—PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), together with the South Nias Regency Government, is targeting KMP Hafamati HF to begin operations in October 2026 under a pioneering ferry service. The vessel will serve the Tello Island–Lasondre–Saeru–Lumbui Melayu route, covering a total distance of approximately 39 miles.

General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Danau Toba Branch Ellenor Piri said ferry services play an important role for communities in island and underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas by connecting residents with their families, daily necessities, education, healthcare services, and economic centers.

“For island communities, ferry services are vital in connecting people with their families, daily necessities, education, healthcare services, and economic centers. Therefore, we want the presence of KMP Hafamati to truly benefit the communities and become part of their daily lives in the areas it serves,” Ellen said recently.

KMP Hafamati HF had previously been delayed and is now being prepared to serve communities through a pioneering ferry service. ASDP and the South Nias Regency Government are continuing preparations for the vessel’s operation, with safety, service, and security as key priorities.

Ellen said ASDP is optimistic that KMP Hafamati HF will begin serving communities next month after undergoing various processes throughout the year. She also stressed that the vessel’s operation must meet readiness and safety requirements.

“We are optimistic that after going through various processes throughout this year, KMP Hafamati can begin serving the community next month. We hope this service can operate properly and sustainably. Most importantly, every operation must continue to meet readiness and safety requirements, as the safety of the public is our top priority,” she added.

KMP Hafamati HF is a Ro-Ro Passenger Boat with a Gross Tonnage (GT) of 30. The vessel can accommodate up to 40 passengers and carry up to 10 motorcycles, with a service speed of up to 10 knots.

For the 2026 service period, KMP Hafamati HF is planned to operate for 92 days. The service is scheduled to make 80 trips on each route: Tello Island–Lasondre, Lasondre–Saeru, and Saeru–Lumbui Melayu.

The planned operations cover a series of inter-island routes in South Nias. ASDP said the presence of KMP Hafamati is expected to provide an additional transportation option for communities while strengthening inter-island connectivity in the archipelagic region.

Head of the South Nias Regency Transportation Agency Damai Omega said the South Nias Regency Government welcomed preparations for KMP Hafamati’s operation.

“We hope KMP Hafamati can begin operating soon and provide tangible benefits to the community. Inter-island connectivity is an important need for South Nias, particularly for communities whose transportation access relies heavily on sea transportation,” Damai said.

The South Nias Regency Government will also strengthen coordination with ASDP to support the continuity of the KMP Hafamati service. Coordination with ASDP and relevant stakeholders will continue to support improved services for the community.

“We want this service not only to be launched, but also to operate properly and provide reliable connectivity for the community. The South Nias Regency Government will continue coordinating with ASDP and relevant stakeholders to further improve services for the community,” he said.

The commitment to service continuity is also reflected in plans to operate KMP Hafamati in 2027. Under the plan, the pioneering service will operate for 365 days, with 289 trips scheduled on each route.

For ASDP and the South Nias Regency Government, the KMP Hafamati HF service is expected to form part of joint efforts to strengthen connectivity in 3T areas while supporting economic growth among communities on the islands served.

“We hope KMP Hafamati HF will not merely be a vessel sailing from one island to another, but will serve as a connector for communities and a driver of economic activity. This is what we aim to deliver together: connectivity that provides tangible benefits to the people of South Nias,” Ellen said.