BMKG warns of hazardous waves in Komodo waters

Labuan Bajo — The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of waves reaching 2.5 metres in Komodo waters and the southern Sape Strait on 10–11 October 2026, while a separate national warning covered waves of up to 4 metres in other Indonesian waters from 10–13 October 2026.

The Komodo-area warning was issued by BMKG’s Tenau Kupang Maritime Meteorological Station in response to stronger winds and hazardous sea conditions. Winds were forecast from the northwest to southwest at 17–22 knots, with waves ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 metres and potentially higher in open waters.

The Labuan Bajo harbourmaster’s office identified 10 areas requiring caution: Kelor Island waters, Batu Tiga, Molo Strait, Padar Strait, Komodo Island waters, Luwu Island, Kerangga Island, Mauwang Island, Tatawa Island and Siaba Kecil. The area has strong tidal currents, whirlpools, strong winds, high waves and reefs that can endanger navigation.

The Labuan Bajo Port Authority also prohibited night sailing and instructed vessels to avoid hazardous areas. The warning concerned the Komodo National Park area and the southern Sape Strait, rather than confirming that every location in the wider national warning faced waves of 2.5–4 metres.

Why it matters for Komodo sea users

The conditions directly affect vessels operating between Labuan Bajo and Komodo destinations. BMKG classified the sea state as moderate to high and said it could increase risks to shipping.

Separately, BMKG warned that waves of 2.5–4 metres could occur in parts of the Indian Ocean west of the Mentawai Islands, Bengkulu and Lampung, and south of Banten, West Java, Central Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali and West Nusa Tenggara from 10–13 October 2026. Those areas did not include Komodo or Labuan Bajo in the reported list.

Sources

• CNN Indonesia — national news report
• SINDOnews — regional news report
• Tribunnews Kupang — regional news report