Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Extreme weather has hit the Labuan Bajo area in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over the past few days, leading to a temporary ban on tourist boats sailing in the region from February 1-8, 2025.
The Head of the Labuan Bajo Class III Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), Stephanus Risdityanto, announced a Notice to Mariners (NtM) warning of severe weather conditions for vessels operating in Labuan Bajo.
According to the notice, tourist boats are prohibited from sailing to Komodo Island and Padar Island in Komodo National Park (TNK) during this period due to potential extreme weather, including high waves and strong winds.
“Boats sailing in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park from February 1-8, 2025, should avoid the waters around Padar and nearby areas due to high-intensity tropical cyclones in the southern sea, leading to strong winds, increased waves, and significant currents,” Risdityanto stated on Friday (January 31, 2025), as reported by Detik.
Sailing Ban
According to KSOP, open-deck tourist boats are banned from sailing in Labuan Bajo waters and the TNK area during this period. These vessels, due to their small size and limited maneuverability, are at greater risk in rough sea conditions. The ban applies until weather conditions improve.
Only large vessels, such as those operated by state-run ferry company Pelni, have been granted Sailing Approval Letters (SPB) to travel to Rinca Island during this period. Rinca Island, one area home to Komodo dragons, is closer to Labuan Bajo than Komodo and Padar Islands.
“SPBs have been granted for travel to Rinca Island, but only for large vessels such as those operated by Pelni, which will continue operating as usual,” Risdityanto said.
However, KSOP emphasized that if weather conditions worsen, it will issue a delay notice for vessel departures.
Additionally, KSOP has urged anchored or moored vessels to monitor their positioning and mooring lines carefully. Strong winds and high waves could potentially break mooring ropes, causing boats to drift.
Stephanus advised captains to ensure their vessels’ seaworthiness, seek shelter if visibility is reduced, and communicate with other ships regarding hazardous weather conditions. Coordination with the Harbormaster and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is necessary if conditions deteriorate further.
Boat Incident
The sailing ban follows an incident in which a traditional Pinisi boat in Labuan Bajo waters was destroyed by massive waves early Friday (January 31, 2025).
The vessel, named Presley Jalasena, was anchored near Kampung Ujung, close to the Meruorah Labuan Bajo Hotel. It was struck by strong waves and fierce winds, causing it to drift toward the shore and crash against a rock embankment, ultimately breaking apart.
“Due to high waves and strong winds reaching 20-30 knots, the mooring rope at the ship’s bow snapped, causing the vessel to drift, crash into the shore, and collide with a rock embankment before sinking,” Risdityanto explained.
Extreme Weather Warning
According to Antara, Risdityanto also referenced an advisory issued by the Eltari Meteorological Station regarding potential extreme weather conditions in NTT.
Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had warned residents of West Manggarai Regency, NTT, about the possibility of severe weather conditions from January 29 to February 3, 2025.
“Extreme weather, including light to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, may occur in Komodo, Boleng, Mbeliling, Sano Nggoang, Macang Pacar, Pacar, Welak, Lembor, South Lembor, West Kuwus, Kuwus, and Ndoso districts,” BMKG reported.
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Given these conditions, fishermen, tourism operators, and maritime transport users in the West Manggarai waters are urged to exercise caution, particularly during storms, as strong winds and heavy rainfall may significantly increase wave heights and surface currents beyond prior forecasts.
(Raidi/Agung)
