Authorities Limit Tourist Boat Access to Rinca Island Only on May 29
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- Authorities in Labuan Bajo have restricted tourist boat travel to Komodo and Padar Islands on May 29, 2026, after forecasts warned of high waves exceeding two meters. Only Rinca Island will remain open to tourist vessels.
- A temporary sailing restriction has been imposed in parts of Komodo National Park following a BMKG maritime weather forecast that pointed to rough sea conditions in the southern Sape Strait and nearby waters.
- KSOP Labuan Bajo has limited tourism routes to Rinca Island for one day and instructed captains to prioritize safety, monitor weather updates closely, avoid risky areas, and coordinate with relevant authorities if conditions worsen.
Jakarta – Tourist boats will not be allowed to sail to Komodo Island and Padar Island on May 29, 2026, following warnings of potentially dangerous sea conditions. Access will be limited to Rinca Island, another key habitat of the Komodo dragon within Komodo National Park.
Head of the Labuan Bajo Class III Port Authority Office (KSOP), Stephanus Risdiyanto, stated that wave heights are expected to exceed two meters on that date. As a result, sailing permits for tourist vessels will only be issued for routes Rinca Island.
“This restriction applies specifically to May 29,” Stephanus said on Wednesday, May 27.
He explained that the decision was based on forecasts predicting waves reaching up to 2.1 meters in the southern part of the Sape Strait and waters surrounding Komodo National Park. The projection was issued by the Maritime Meteorology Station of BMKG in Tenau Kupang.
“Therefore, on May 29, 2026, sailing approvals for tourism activities will only be granted for travel to Rinca Island, while all activities in Komodo National Park waters and the southern Sape Strait are to be avoided,” he added.
The KSOP Labuan Bajo has also released an official maritime advisory addressed to ship captains. The notice emphasizes the importance of ensuring vessel seaworthiness, independently monitoring weather developments throughout the journey, and taking immediate action in emergency situations.
Captains are also required to conduct safety briefings prior to departure. Night sailing is strictly prohibited, and vessels are urged to avoid high-risk areas.
In addition, ship operators must inform nearby vessels if hazardous weather conditions arise, seek shelter when necessary, and coordinate with port authorities and search and rescue agencies if conditions deteriorate further.
“The harbor master holds the authority to delay sailing approvals at any time if weather conditions are deemed unsafe,” Stephanus said.
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