After Engine Room Incident, KMP Aceh Hebat 2 Resumes Banda Aceh–Sabang Service

BANDA ACEH, Jakartaweekly.com—The KMP Aceh Hebat 2 ferry has resumed operations on the Banda Aceh–Sabang route after being declared seaworthy following a series of comprehensive inspections conducted after an engine room incident that occurred several weeks ago.

General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Banda Aceh Branch, Andri Setiawan, said the vessel was allowed to return to service only after undergoing a thorough evaluation and inspection process, with safety placed as the top priority.

“The return of KMP Aceh Hebat 2 is the result of a comprehensive inspection process conducted by the relevant authorities,” Andri said in Banda Aceh recently.

He emphasized that safety is non-negotiable. The ferry was permitted to resume operations only after being officially declared seaworthy, allowing passengers to once again use the crossing service with confidence and peace of mind.

Andri added that KMP Aceh Hebat 2 resumed service on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with its first scheduled departure at 8:00 a.m. local time from Ulee Lheue Port to Balohan Port in Sabang.

The engine room incident involving KMP Aceh Hebat 2 had previously drawn public attention. In response, ASDP said it immediately coordinated with all relevant stakeholders to assist the victims, maintain ferry services through fleet adjustments, and carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel’s safety aspects.

According to Andri, these measures were part of the company’s commitment to ensuring that public services continued without compromising maritime safety standards.

Meanwhile, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the vessel’s return to operation reflects the company’s commitment to rebuilding public trust through the implementation of strict safety standards.

“Safety is the core value of every ASDP service. KMP Aceh Hebat 2 resumed operations only after completing the seaworthiness inspection process and being declared to have met all requirements set by the relevant authorities,” Windy said.

She expressed hope that the ferry’s return would further strengthen connectivity between Banda Aceh and Sabang, support public mobility, stimulate economic activity, and provide passengers with a greater sense of safety and security.