4-Metre High Waves Batter Southern Coast of Central Java and Yogyakarta
High waves of up to four metres battered the southern coast of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) on Tuesday (11/8), resulting in damage to tourist areas. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) at the Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang warned that these conditions are likely to continue for the next few days.
The impact of the high waves in Central Java was evident at Suwuk Kuring Beach in Kebumen Regency, where several food stalls owned by local residents were damaged. Similar conditions also occurred in Buluk, Gunungkidul Regency, DIY.
“Since morning, high waves reaching 4 metres have continuously pounded the beach, and the water even swept into stalls located about 100 to 200 metres from the shoreline,” said Ragil, 34, a trader at the beach.
Meanwhile, at Dewa Ruci Beach in Purworejo, a resident named Rina, 23, said the high waves in the southern waters had left the tourist area deserted. She noted that visitors who did arrive chose to stay far from the beach due to the rough seas.
A similar account was shared by Haryono, 50, a resident of Wonosari, Gunungkidul Regency, who was shocked when waves up to 4 metres high slammed into the coastal cliffs. Tourists who had been enjoying the beach ran to avoid the crashing waves. “There were no casualties, but the waves hit the cliffs hard,” he added.
BMKG forecaster Wahyu Sri Mulyani from the Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang stated that waves of 2.5 to 4 metres in the southern waters from Cilacap to Purworejo and DIY are expected to continue for several days. She urged people conducting activities at sea or in coastal areas to remain vigilant.
Wahyu Sri Mulyani explained that the wave heights, accompanied by wind speeds exceeding 15 knots, pose a significant risk to shipping activities such as fishing boats, barges, cargo and passenger vessels. The conditions are also dangerous for tourists on these southern beaches, as the crashing waves can strike the shore with great force. “Be alert to high waves and swells on the southern coast, as they can cause damage and sweep victims away,” she said.