Bad Weather: KSOP Limits Access to Komodo National Park Tourism to Rinca Island Only

Bad Weather: KSOP Limits Access to Komodo National Park, Restricting Tourist Boats to Rinca Island

Due to bad weather affecting the waters around Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), access for tourist boats to Komodo National Park has been limited to Rinca Island only. The Head of the Port Authority and Harbour Master’s Office (KSOP) Class III Labuan Bajo, Stephanus Risdiyanto, stated that a special sailing permit notice for speedboat-type vessels heading to Rinca Island was issued on Sunday (22nd January) as a precaution against unfavourable weather conditions. “The notice was issued after considering the maritime weather forecast information from the BMKG Stamar Tenau regarding wind speed and wave height expected to occur from 23rd to 25th February 2026, as well as based on observations from the land station and reports from other vessels,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (24th February) morning. Stephanus said that sailing permits (SPB) are currently only being granted for speedboat-type vessels heading to Rinca Island. For other types of vessels, access will be adjusted according to the latest weather forecasts issued by the BMKG. “For other types of vessels, we will adjust based on updated weather information from the BMKG to ensure the safety of navigation,” he added. In the notice issued, the KSOP also advises all captains to ensure the seaworthiness of their vessels before sailing. If the weather worsens, they are required to immediately seek shelter and inform other vessels of the hazardous conditions. “Captains are also asked to always coordinate with the Harbour Master and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) if they are aware that the weather conditions are deteriorating,” said Stephanus. [Image: CNN Video]