Authorities in Labuan Bajo have ordered a temporary suspension of tourist boat operations, citing dangerous sea conditions driven by extreme weather systems in southern Indonesia.
The decision was announced by the Class III Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP) of Labuan Bajo, following updated meteorological data from Indonesia’s weather agency, BMKG. The suspension takes effect from 30 December 2025 at 07:00 local time and will remain in place until 2 January 2026, pending further assessment.
During this period, all Sailing Approval Letters (SPB) — a mandatory clearance for vessels to depart — have been frozen for all types of tourist boats, including speedboats operating in and around Komodo National Park.
Cyclones Driving Dangerous Sea Conditions
According to BMKG, the extreme weather is being influenced by Tropical Cyclone Hayley, currently active in the Indian Ocean south of Sumba Island, as well as Cyclone Seed 90S forming over northern Australia. Together, these systems are generating stronger winds and unstable sea conditions across large parts of Indonesian waters.
Wave heights of 1.25 to 2.5 metres are forecast across several regions, including the Java Sea and Makassar Strait. In more exposed areas — particularly the southern Indian Ocean from Banten to East Java — waves could reach 2.5 to 4 metres, a level considered highly dangerous for small and medium-sized vessels.
Wind speeds in affected areas are also expected to intensify, increasing the risk of sudden squalls and reduced visibility at sea.
Safety Measures After Recent Maritime Tragedy
While the official basis for the closure is meteorological, maritime authorities acknowledge that the decision comes in the shadow of recent fatal accidents in Labuan Bajo waters, including the sinking of a tourist vessel that claimed multiple lives.
That incident, which resulted in four people going missing — among them a Spanish football coach affiliated with Valencia CF and three of his children — has heightened scrutiny of maritime safety during the peak holiday season. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the tragedy has reinforced calls for stricter preventive measures during adverse weather.
Officials emphasised that the temporary shutdown is intended to prevent further loss of life, particularly as tourist traffic traditionally surges at year’s end.
Instructions to Captains and Operators
KSOP has issued clear instructions to vessel operators and captains:
- Ensure vessels remain seaworthy and seek shelter immediately if weather conditions deteriorate
- Anchor or moor in protected areas, away from strong currents and high waves
- Keep ship engines on standby at all times
- Maintain close coordination with the harbourmaster, BASARNAS, and maritime authorities
Failure to comply could result in sanctions once operations resume.
What Travellers Should Know
For tourists and expats planning sea excursions around Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, or nearby destinations, authorities urge patience and caution.
Travellers are advised to:
- Check departure schedules directly with tour operators
- Prepare for possible cancellations or delays
- Follow official updates from port authorities and local government
While the closure may disrupt holiday plans, officials stress that it is a preventive measure, not an emergency response — one designed to ensure that Labuan Bajo’s reputation as a world-class destination is not overshadowed by avoidable tragedy.
As one official noted privately, “The sea will still be there tomorrow. Lives may not be.”
