State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has welcomed state-run ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry’s (Persero) acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara, in accordance with President Joko Widodo’s directive on strengthening national ferry services.
“It is one of PT ASDP’s transformation attempts to provide the best public transportation service throughout Indonesia,” he remarked in a written statement released on Thursday.
The acquisition would further strengthen the company’s status as the largest sea fleet operator in Indonesia, the minister said.
With the acquisition bringing 53 fleet units to PT ASDP, the size of its fleet will be 219 vessels, he said.
Currently, the enterprise is operating six Long Distance Ferry (LDF) routes, he noted.
“We expect that the acquisition will not only increase the company’s portfolio, but also will be able to bolster PT ASDP’s contribution to the nation and community,” the minister said.
The attempt is also one of the corporation’s strategies ahead of its Initial Public Offering (IPO), scheduled for later this year, he said.
Through the IPO, the enterprise will get more funding to improve its ferry fleet since a number of PT ASDP’s vessels have become quite old and could potentially endanger passengers, he added.
“Hence, I always emphasized to the company to maintain its fleet’s safety and excellent service to all customers,” Thohir said.
He also asked the ferry operator to continue to innovate. One of the innovations, which has been done by PT ASDP is the utilization of online-based ferry ticket purchasing service called Ferizy, he said.
He lauded the online service as the corporation’s digital transformation, which is aimed at helping customers make online ticket reservations and purchases.
“Various challenges due to current and future disruptions must be solved and anticipated by PT ASDP by continuing to improve its innovation and technology,” he said.
A sales and purchase agreement was signed by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) with PT Mahkota Pratama and PT Indonesia VIP, who are the share owners of PT Jembatan Nusantara.
Source: Antara News