ASDP and Parameswara sign a study agreement for a Dumai–Melaka ferry

ANTARA reported on 17 October 2026 that Indonesia's state-owned ferry operator ASDP has signed an agreement with Malaysia's Parameswara Ferry Terminal to study a proposed Dumai–Melaka route. The memorandum of understanding, signed at ASDP headquarters, establishes a framework to assess market demand, operational readiness, and the route's commercial feasibility.

Rio Lasse, Operations and Transformation Director, said in a press statement received on Saturday that the memorandum marks the first step toward a comprehensive assessment of the proposed route. "We want to ensure every connectivity expansion opportunity is supported by objective assessments of market potential, operational readiness, business feasibility, and compliance with regulations in both countries," he said.

The proposed study will examine market demand, passenger traffic forecasts, technical and operational requirements, port infrastructure, and cross-border regulations and permits. The parties will exchange data, conduct market research and demand forecasting, assess ferry operations, and review port infrastructure readiness in Dumai, Indonesia, and Melaka, Malaysia. They will also assess legal requirements, permits, potential partnership structures, business models, and financial viability, including investment needs, operating costs, revenue forecasts, and commercial returns. Attendees included Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, Indonesian transport and trade officials, and senior executives from ASDP and Parameswara Ferry Terminal.

ASDP stressed that the memorandum is only a framework for a feasibility study, not a commitment to launch the route or make an investment. Lasse said the findings should provide a comprehensive picture of the route's viability and help both parties decide whether to proceed based on clear benefits and readiness.