LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — One of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine destinations has once again pressed pause. Authorities in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, have extended the suspension of tourist boat services until 29 January 2026, citing ongoing risks from strong winds and high waves.
The decision prolongs a closure that has already disrupted travel plans for weeks, underscoring the growing tension between tourism demand and seasonal maritime safety in eastern Indonesia. The ban, initially set to run from 20 to 27 January, will now remain in force until weather conditions show a clear and sustained improvement.
According to local port authorities, the extension follows updated forecasts from Indonesia’s national weather agency, Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika, which continues to warn of hazardous sea conditions in the waters surrounding Labuan Bajo.
“Yes, that is correct. The closure has been extended until 29 January 2026. Based on BMKG forecasts, conditions are still not safe for sailing,” said Stephanus Risdiyanto, Head of the Class III Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) in Labuan Bajo, speaking on Monday evening.
No Sailing Permits Issued
As part of the temporary shutdown, the KSOP has suspended all services related to the Surat Persetujuan Berlayar (SPB), the mandatory sailing permit required for vessels to depart. This applies to all tourist boats, including traditional wooden pinisi vessels and speedboats.
“SPB services for tourist boats, including speedboats, are temporarily closed from 27 to 29 January 2026, or until the weather improves again based on information from BMKG,” Stephanus said.
Officials stress that the decision is not based solely on forecasts. Direct observations at sea have confirmed the presence of high waves across key routes, particularly in waters leading to Komodo National Park and nearby islands that form the backbone of Labuan Bajo’s tourism economy.
Komodo National Park Also Closed
The ripple effects are significant. With all tourist vessels grounded, nature-based tourism inside Komodo National Park has been fully suspended.
“One hundred percent of visitors to Komodo National Park arrive by tourist boat,” said Hendrikus Rani Siga, Head of the Komodo National Park Authority. “If the boats are not allowed to sail, then tourism activities inside the park must also stop.”
For travelers, tour operators, and expat residents, the closure serves as a reminder that access to Indonesia’s remote island destinations remains highly dependent on weather and sea conditions, particularly during the peak of the monsoon season.
A Month-Long Disruption
By the time the current extension ends, the shutdown will have lasted more than a month, having begun on 26 December 2025. There was a brief window of relief when boats were allowed to operate from 9 to 11 January, but services were halted again on 12 January as conditions deteriorated. Since then, the closure has been extended several times.
While frustrating for visitors, authorities insist the priority is safety. High-speed crossings and sightseeing routes in rough seas pose serious risks, especially in an area where tourism vessels are the primary means of transport.
For now, Labuan Bajo waits — for calmer seas, clearer forecasts, and a return to normal operations. Until then, travelers are advised to monitor official updates closely and remain flexible with plans involving sea travel in eastern Indonesia.
