Indonesian maritime authorities have prolonged the closure for all tourist vessels in Labuan Bajo until January 27, marking over a month of disrupted access to the famed Komodo National Park.
LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — For the second time in a week, authorities have extended a sailing ban for tourist vessels in the waters around Komodo National Park, dealing another blow to the region’s vital tourism sector. The Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) of Labuan Bajo announced on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, that the prohibition will remain in effect until at least January 27 due to forecasts of continued severe weather and high waves.
The decision, formalized in an official maritime notice signed by KSOP Head Stephanus Risdiyanto, applies to all tourist craft, including traditional wooden pinisi boats and speedboats. It effectively suspends all tours to the islands of Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest lizards, and other nearby destinations accessible from the gateway town of Labuan Bajo.
“This is correct; the sailing ban for tourist vessels has been extended until January 27,” confirmed Stephanus Risdiyanto. The policy is based on weather warnings issued by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and direct observations of hazardous sea conditions in the Flores Sea.
A Prolonged Disruption for Tourism
With this latest extension, maritime tourism out of Labuan Bajo has now been largely shut down for over a month, with operations suspended since December 26, 2025. Operators enjoyed only a brief, three-day window to sail between January 9 and 11 before the ban was reinstated on January 12.
The prolonged closure underscores the significant impact of Indonesia’s intense rainy season on tourism-dependent regions. For travelers, it means all pre-booked boat tours, liveaboard trips, and day excursions to see the Komodo dragons and world-class dive sites are canceled through the end of January. Travelers are advised to contact their tour operators directly for information on rescheduling, refunds, or alternative land-based itineraries.
Safety as the Paramount Concern
Authorities have emphasized that the repeated extensions are a strict safety measure. The waters around Komodo are known for strong currents and can become treacherous during periods of high winds and waves. The KSOP’s notice reiterates that sailing approval letters will only be issued again once the BMKG provides clearance that sea conditions have safely improved.
The situation highlights the operational challenges of adventure tourism in Indonesia’s archipelago, where access to some of its most iconic natural wonders remains at the mercy of seasonal weather patterns.
Hey Bali News provides updates on regional travel conditions to assist tourists and the travel industry in planning and navigating disruptions.
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