Indonesian maritime authorities prolong the suspension of all tourist boat activities in Labuan Bajo, citing ongoing severe weather threats in the Flores Sea.
LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia – In a move that will prolong significant disruptions to one of Indonesia’s most iconic tourist destinations, authorities have extended the ban on all tourist vessel sailings in and around Komodo National Park until January 20, 2026. The decision underscores the persistent and severe weather conditions battering the region during the peak of the rainy season.
The Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) of Labuan Bajo confirmed the extension on Wednesday, January 14. This continuation of the sailing prohibition means that, effectively, maritime tourism in the gateway to Komodo National Park has been largely shut down for nearly a month, with only a brief three-day window of operation from January 9-11 since the initial closures began in late December.
“The sailing ban for tourist vessels has been extended until January 20,” stated Stephanus Risdiyanto, Head of the Class III KSOP Labuan Bajo. He emphasized that the policy is based on the latest forecasts from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and direct observations of hazardous sea conditions.
In an official maritime notice signed by Risdiyanto, the office confirmed that the service for issuing sailing approval letters for all tourist craft, including traditional pinisi boats and speedboats, remains temporarily closed from January 14-20. The suspension will only be lifted once the BMKG confirms that weather patterns have safely improved.
The extension is a direct response to continued forecasts predicting high waves and dangerous seas in the waters of Komodo National Park and the surrounding Flores Sea. This advisory has forced the cancellation of all excursions to the park’s famous islands, home to the Komodo dragon, as well as other diving and snorkeling sites in the Labuan Bajo area.
For global travelers and expatriates in Bali considering trips to East Nusa Tenggara, the extended closure presents a clear logistical challenge. It highlights the potent impact of Indonesia’s monsoon season on maritime travel and adventure tourism. Operators are facing one of the longest continuous closures in recent years, impacting livelihoods and travel plans during what is typically a busy period.
The KSOP’s repeated and cautious stance reflects a stringent prioritization of passenger and crew safety, a principle reinforced after past maritime incidents in Indonesian waters. The notice reiterates instructions for any vessels in the area to seek safe anchorage in protected locations and maintain readiness.
Tourists with bookings through January 20 are strongly advised to contact their tour operators for updates, cancellations, or rescheduling. The situation remains fluid, dependent entirely on the volatile tropical weather patterns.
Hey Bali News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates for travelers navigating the complexities of Indonesia’s archipelago during the rainy season.
