KSOP Labuan Bajo suspends Komodo and Padar boat trips for 9–10 September

Labuan Bajo — The Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) Labuan Bajo temporarily suspended tourist-boat departures to Komodo Island, Padar Island and parts of Komodo National Park on 9–10 September 2026, citing forecasts of strong winds and significant wave heights of up to three metres. The restriction was implemented by halting the issuance of sailing approval letters (Surat Persetujuan Berlayar, SPB) for those destinations.

According to a report quoting KSOP Class III Labuan Bajo head Stephanus Risdiyanto, SPB services for tourist vessels were paused for Komodo and Padar while remaining available for trips to Rinca Island, another key Komodo dragon habitat within the national park. The measure was framed as a safety precaution for passengers and crews operating in the exposed waters around the park.

The suspension was formalised in Sailing Notice (Maklumat Pelayaran) No. 01/MP-IX/2026, issued on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Media reports state that the decision followed sea-condition observations, reports from vessels already operating in the area and maritime weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), notably the Tenau Maritime Meteorological Station in Kupang.

Forecast conditions and affected waters

Coverage of the notice cites BMKG Tenau’s maritime forecast for 8–10 September, which projected wind speeds of around 20–30 knots and significant wave heights in the range of 1.5–3.0 metres in waters off West Flores. The same reports note that hazardous sea conditions were expected to persist until 11 September 2026, particularly in the southern Sape Strait and waters surrounding Komodo National Park.

KSOP Labuan Bajo highlighted several specific areas where navigational risks were considered higher because of strong currents, wind circulation, high waves or submerged reefs. Indonesian-language reporting lists these as waters around Kelor Island, Batu Tiga, Molo Strait, Padar Strait, Loh Kima, Luwu Island, Kerangga Island, Mauwang Island, Tatawa Island and Siaba Kecil Island. Tourist vessels were instructed to avoid these zones during the warning period.

Key operational details reported by local and national outlets include:

• Suspension period for tourist vessels: 9–10 September 2026.
• Forecast wave heights: approximately 1.5–3.0 metres, with a cited upper range of three metres.
• Forecast winds: around 20–30 knots in affected waters.
• Alternative destination: Rinca Island, where SPB issuance for tourist boats could continue under normal safety checks.

KSOP Labuan Bajo directed captains already operating in Komodo National Park waters to adjust their plans and avoid sailing to Komodo and Padar during the suspension. Vessel masters were reminded to verify seaworthiness before departure, monitor updated BMKG bulletins and seek shelter if conditions deteriorated, as well as to alert other vessels upon identifying hazardous weather or sea states.

Implications for travellers and operators

The reported notice applied specifically to tourist vessels and to KSOP’s issuance of SPB documents for Komodo and Padar. The coverage does not state that all maritime traffic in the region was halted, and it does not name individual operators or tour companies that cancelled or rescheduled departures.

Travellers planning sea trips from Labuan Bajo during the period were advised in news reports to monitor official KSOP Labuan Bajo and BMKG channels for the latest maritime-weather bulletins and navigational notices. Media accounts also underline that the temporary suspension covered only 9–10 September 2026; reopening was tied to an improvement in sea conditions rather than to a fixed wind or wave threshold, with KSOP indicating that SPB services for Komodo and Padar would resume once conditions were again considered safe for navigation.

Sources

• detikBali / detikcom – "Pelayaran Kapal Wisata ke Pulau Komodo-Padar Ditutup pada 9-10 September"
• CNN Indonesia – "Waspadai Gelombang Tinggi, KSOP Labuan Bajo Tutup Pelayaran TN Komodo"
• Berputar.id – "Waspadai Gelombang Tinggi, KSOP Labuan Bajo Tutup Pelayaran TN Komodo"
• Media Indonesia – "Gelombang Tinggi Mengancam, KSOP Tutup Sementara Pelayaran Wisata ke TN Komodo"