Ferry trips in Indonesia: Questions and Answers

Below are some questions and answers (QnA) regarding ferry trips in Indonesia, starting from purchasing tickets to special regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The answers to the questions are based on the rules and my experience while being a passenger in the Ferry.

Some of them are frequently asked on my YouTube videos (FAQ).

To make it easier to find the information that you need, use the table of contents below, or use the search function (find) on your browser /browser. On a computer, this can be done by pressing CTRL + F (or CMD + F). Or open the browser menu and select “search on page…”.

Explanation

Q: Question
A: Answer

Ticket purchase: where to buy, when, passenger’s data, and reschedule

Q: Where can I buy a ferry ticket?
A: You can buy the ferry trip ticket on Ferizy app. [Ferizy for Android | Ferizy for iOS | Ferizy – Web Version]. Currently, it is not available in English. It is recommended to use translation services or ask for help from the locals.

Q: Can I buy the ferry tickets on the spot?
A: You can’t, on Merak-Bakauheni, Ketapang-Gilimanuk, and Ciwandan-Bakauheni/Panjang routes. Ticket purchasing on those routes is only available via Ferizy app.

Q: Is there another way to buy ferry ticket?
A: There are many scalpers (unofficial agents) outside the Port of Merak. The scalpers are using Ferizy, too. They will help you to input your data (Name, age, ticket details, vehicle license plate number, your ID card/passport data) to Ferizy. Prepare for a higher ticket price than the official price, especially for the foreigners (foreigners’ price).

If you don’t want to spend more money, just use Ferizy and do it yourself.

Q: How to purchase tickets from Ferizy?
A: I have a tutorial video (in Indonesian): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95KX8jAmRjM. English tutorial or subtitle are not prepared yet.

Q: I don’t have Indonesian ID Card. Which document should I use?
A: Use your passport. In the “Detail Penumpang” section, you can change “Jenis ID” from KTP to passport. Then, input “Negara penerbit paspor” and “Nomor identitas”.

TL Note:

• Detail penumpang = Passenger(s) detail
• Jenis ID = ID card/document type. Choose “passport” for foreigners
• Negara penerbit paspor = Country which issued the passport
• Nomor identitas = Number of your identity document. Passport number for foreigners.

Thank you Hana for reminding this in the comment!

Q: Can I book a ticket a week before departure?
A: Of course you can. The system allows anyone to order tickets as early as 60 days before departure.

Q: Can I book a ticket 2 hours before departure?
A: It’s OK, as long as you haven’t entered the ferry port, because you need a ticket to enter the port.

Q: Do I need to input all the passengers data while booking a ticket?
A: In my opinion, it is necessary. The data will be used for counting passengers to prevent overload. It is also needed in a bad situation, like when the ship sinks. It will be used to count passengers who survived and who lost.

Q: Do all the passengers data need to be the same as the ID card or passport?
A: Yes, they are should be the same.

Q: I ordered the wrong ticket. Can I reschedule or refund it?
A: If you haven’t paid the ticket, just abandon it and book a new ticket. The abandoned one will be invalid in 30 minutes. Already paid it? Try to reschedule or refund via Ferizy.

Failed to reschedule? It is better to contact ASDP (the ship route and port operator) at number 191.

Q: How to reschedule or refund the ticket?
A: I never reschedule or refund a ticket, so I don’t know much about both things. Just explore the Ferizy app, you might found the rescheduling steps.

Ticket prices: details and increases

Q: Tickets for private cars (category IVA) are IDR 457,700. Do they already include the passengers?
A: Yes. Passengers are included in vehicle tickets (category I to category IX). No need to buy an individual ticket again.

Q: During high seasons like Eid al-Fitr and the Christmas-New Year holidays, will the ticket prices increase?
A: What I know is that ticket prices never increase because of high or peak seasons. It is different from flights or train tickets, where the ticket prices increase during high seasons.

Q: Should the bus passengers buy the individual pedestrian ticket?
A: If the bus’s destination is Lampung (and not to be dropped off at Merak), of course it’s not necessary, because it already includes the price of the bus ticket.

Q: Hey, do you know when the tickets prices will be increased?
A: The Ministry of Transportation (ID: Kementerian Perhubungan) has the authority to regulate ticket prices. Stay tuned to the news or official statement from The Ministry of Transportation for ticket prices update.

Ferry classes: REGULAR or EXPRESS?

Q: What are the differences between Regular (ID: Reguler) and Express (ID: Ekspres) ferry?
A: Obviously, express class is more expensive. Express ships are faster and more convenient. No need to pay more for air conditioned passenger rooms.

Q: Which one is the best option?
A: It depends on your needs. Choose the Express class if you want to travel fast and enjoy more convenience. Need an economic trip? Choose the cheaper Regular class.

Q: Have you ever reviewed those ships?
A: Yes. Watch this Review of express class ship dan Review of regular class ship on my YouTube channel Benny padang. One of them has English closed captions.

Payment methods: ATMs, minimarkets, or e-wallets

Q: Can I pay the ticket via ATM?
A: You can. Ferizy accepts payments from these local (or localized) banks: BCA, BNI, BRI, BSI, Mandiri, BTN, Permata, CIMB, Danamon, Maybank, and Maspion Bank.

You can also pay via mobile banking apps, such as BCA Mobile, BNI Mobile Banking, BRImo, PermataNet, and CIMB Click.

Q: Can I pay via minimarket?
A: Ferizy also accepts payments via these minimarket chains: Alfamart, Indomaret, and YoMart. Alfamart and Indomaret are available nationwide, while YoMart outlets are only available in many cities in West Java.

Other than minimarkets, you can also pay via the post (Pos Indonesia) and Pegadaian (the state-owned pawnshop).

Q: Can I pay via e-wallet?
A: Yes, but only using these local services: LinkAja, ShopeePay, and OVO. You can’t pay using international payment gateways such as PayPal.

Q: If I am late to pay the ticket, will the ticket invalid?
A: The ticket will be forfeited if you don’t pay more than 30 minutes since ticket booking.

Schedule: Check-in time and late

Q: What is “Jadwal masuk pelabuhan (check in)“?
A: That means your check in time. When you should enter the port and exchange your ticket to a boarding pass. While checking in, remember to show your ID card or passport to the officer.

Q: Can I check in at any time?
A: The ferry passengers check in time is 2 hours prior to departure until the deadline, which is written in the ticket. So, you can’t check in at anytime.

Q: My check in time for regular class ship is 11:00 to 12:00. should I check in in that period?
A: Same to the previous question, the ferry passengers check in time is 2 hours prior to departure until the deadline, which is written in the ticket. In this case, the check in period is 09:00 until 12:00.

Q: I tried to order express ticket. My check in time is 11:30. Why is it different from the regular?
A: I don’t understand why the express check in period is different. In this case, passengers can check in form 08:30 until 11:30.

Q: What happened if I check in after the deadline?
A: Your ticket will be forfeited and cannot be used for a ferry trip.

Q: During a high season in 2022, there was an extraordinarily long queue of passengers, which took hours or even days. That made everyone late to check in. If such an event happens again, will the ticket be forfeited too?
A: If a long queue or severe traffic jam appears, ASDP (the ferry route operator) gives dispensation for passengers who arrive late due to jammed queues at the port. So, the ticket will not be forfeited even though it is past the schedule.

Q: Will I immediately board the ship after checking in?
A: It depends. If there is a ship dropping off passengers and the queue is not long, you will get into the ship right after the drop-off has finished. If the queue is long, you’ll have to queue until your turn comes.

COVID-19 regulations: Vaccine, test, and health protocol

Q: Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding?
A: Since 9 June 2023, vaccination is NOT REQUIRED anymore. Feel free to travel anywhere without vaccinated. Source: SE Kasatgas COVID-19 No. 1 Tahun 2023

Q: If I am suffering from COVID-19, can I get into the ship?
A: I think it is clear that those who suffer from COVID-19 should remain in the house or hospital.

Q: Does COVID-19 test result still required?
A: No, it is not required anymore

Q: Is peduli lindungi / SatuSehat required?
A: No.

Q: I bring an old man with comorbidity. Doctor said he shouldn’t be vaccinated. Will he still allowed to board?
A: Since June 2023, old passengers with comorbidity can travel anywhere without sick note/medical certificate. Wearing face mask is still recommended for them.

Q: Are face masks required on the ship?
A: Since 9 June 2023, face mask is NOT REQUIRED anymore. Although it is still recommended to wear a mask for those who have comobidity or suffering for illnesses that have similar symptomps to COVID-19. Further info: SE Kasatgas COVID-19 No. 1 Tahun 2023

On the ship: cigarettes, garbage, and ship facilities

Q: Can I smoke on the ship?
A: Smoking on the ship is prohibited, even in the open spaces. Remain not to smoke even if other passengers violate the smoking ban.

Q: Are the ships clean?
A: It depends on the crew and the passengers. There are a few passangers or maybe crews who don’t flush the toilet properly. There are also some people who throws their garbage everywhere. These two habits can make the ship dirty and smelly.

Q: Can I throw garbage to the sea?
A: DO NOT throw anything into the sea. Garbage might be dangerous if eaten by fish or other animals in the sea.

Q: Should I pay for passenger room?
A: No need in the express ship. While on the regular trip, to enter an air-conditioned room or sleeping room, each person needs a ticket for IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 (around USD ¢ 60 to USD 1.2).

Note: The sleeping room in a regular or express trip is not an individual room (bedroom), but a shared sleeping room.

Q: Are there any restaurants or canteens inside the ship?
A: There are canteens which usually sell instant foods and beverages.

Q: Is there any wi-fi connection on the ship?
A: Wi-fi connection is available in all Express ferries, although the wi-fi remains disconnected. A few regular ships has wi-fi.

Q: How is the mobile network on the ship?
A: There is no problem with mobile networks near the ports. In the middle of the sea, which is far away from the mainland (Sumatra or Java), mobile networks are sometimes unavailable.

Q: Can I charge my phone on the ship?
A: You can. There are power sockets available on the ship. Just bring your own phone charger. You can also charge your laptop.

Q: How about crimes on the ship?
A: I’ve never heard about crimes on the ferry trip. But remember, not even the best security system can 100% prevent crimes. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Q: What to do if the ship sinks?
A: Try to keep calm. Know the location of the nearest life jackets and lifeboats. Follow the crew instructions. Wear life jackets and get in the lifeboat.

End note

I really hope these QnA are able to help anyone who travel in Indonesia.