BMKG Forecasts 2.3-Metre Waves During Peak Mudik Season; Riau Islands Police Issue Alert
As the peak Eid homecoming season (mudik) approaches in 2026, the Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) has urged the public to exercise caution regarding potential high waves across several maritime areas. The alert follows weather forecasts from Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), which predicted extreme weather conditions in the Riau Islands region from 16 to 19 March 2026.
Nona Pricillia Ohei, Head of Public Relations at Polda Kepri and Task Force Commander for Operation Ketupat Seligi 2026, stated that maritime conditions in the Riau Islands would be considerably dynamic in the coming days. Consequently, members of the public planning to travel by sea for the holiday were advised to check ship departure schedules and monitor weather forecasts before undertaking their journeys.
“Safety must be a top priority. Do not force yourself to travel if weather conditions are unfavourable,” she said on Monday, 16 March.
According to BMKG data, waves reaching heights of up to 2.3 metres are forecast to potentially occur across several maritime areas of the Riau Islands on Monday (16 March), particularly in open waters. These conditions are expected to affect almost all maritime regions of the Riau Islands, except Batam and Karimun.
On Tuesday (17 March), wave heights are forecast to reach approximately 1.7 metres in the waters off Natuna, Anambas and Bintan. Subsequently, on Wednesday (18 March), the Natuna region and the Subi–Serasan waters have also been advised to prepare for waves of up to 1.4 metres.
An BMKG forecaster at Hang Nadim Meteorological Station in Batam explained that the increase in wave heights was caused by strong wind conditions across the maritime areas surrounding the Riau Islands.
“In the coming days, winds across Riau Islands’ maritime regions are forecast to blow quite strongly, with potential to increase wave heights. We urge the public, particularly maritime transport users and fishermen, to continue monitoring updated maritime weather information,” the forecaster stated.
Meanwhile, Polda Kepri, along with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Harbour Master and Port Authority (KSOP), has placed personnel on standby at several major ports to ensure the safety of holiday travellers. Officers will monitor compliance with maritime safety standards, including prohibitions on overloading and the mandatory provision of safety equipment such as life jackets.
“We remind ship captains and ferry operators not to disregard weather changes. Ensure your vessels are seaworthy and passenger numbers comply with regulations,” Ohei stressed.
The public can also monitor current weather information through BMKG’s official website at maritim.bmkg.go.id. For police assistance, members of the public can contact the 24-hour Call Centre 110 or use the Polri Super Apps application.