Banda Aceh, indomaritim.com – The Aceh provincial government is resuming efforts to develop a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping route connecting Krueng Geukueh Port in North Aceh to Penang, Malaysia, following its suspension due to flash floods in November 2025.
“One of our primary agendas is expediting the drafting of a gubernatorial regulation to appoint the provincial-owned enterprise PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA) as the operator of the Ro-Ro service,” Head of the Aceh Provincial Transportation Office T. Faisal said here on Saturday as cited from Antara News Agency.
The international shipping route was initially scheduled to launch in late 2025 to facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers. The priority program, initiated by Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, has now been revived for immediate implementation.
Faisal noted that appointing the regional-owned enterprise would provide greater flexibility in implementing the program, allowing the company to collaborate with businesses and investors through various schemes.
At the same time, the Aceh government will retain control over strategic aspects, including tariffs, sailing schedules, and cargo prioritization.
“The Transportation Office will provide financial support in the form of grants or capital injections to support PT PEMA’s assignment,” he added.
He further said that his office is currently waiting for PT PEMA to submit a proposal on vessel procurement, specifying whether the ships will be leased or purchased. The proposal is expected to be submitted no later than August 31, 2026.
“We are also coordinating with the Transportation Ministry to encourage the commencement of bilateral negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia on Aceh-Penang Ro-Ro connectivity,” Faisal said.
Acting Aceh Regional Secretary Taufik said the provincial administration would ensure that all operational aspects — from regulations, vessels, and ports to customs, immigration, quarantine services, and cargo readiness — progress simultaneously so that the route can be launched promptly.
“We will immediately communicate with the Transportation Ministry and relevant stakeholders at the Home Affairs Ministry regarding mechanisms for grants, subsidies, or capital injections, as well as conduct consultations to secure recommendations for the issuance of the gubernatorial regulation,” Taufik concluded. (Dul)
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