BMKG urges caution over high waves in Southeast Sulawesi waters

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged the public, particularly sea transport users and fishermen, to be aware of the potential for high waves reaching 1.25 to 2.5 metres in the waters of Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), effective from 22 to 25 July 2026.

Forecaster at the Kendari Class II Maritime Meteorology Station, I Made Wahyu Gana Putra, stated on Wednesday that based on an analysis of atmospheric dynamics, wind patterns in the Sultra region generally blow from the east to the south with speeds ranging from 2 to 15 knots.

He mentioned that based on the BMKG’s early warning, the potential for moderate waves in the 1.25 to 2.5 metre category is likely to occur in eight strategic Sultra waters. These waters include North Wawonii Waters, East Wawonii Banda Sea, Cempedak Strait, Buton Waters, West Wakatobi Waters, East Wakatobi Waters, East Wakatobi Banda Sea, and the South Buton Flores Sea.

Wahyu Gana stated that his office has issued a shipping safety advisory to anticipate the risk of accidents at sea. “Fishing boats are at risk to shipping safety if wind speeds exceed 15 knots and wave heights reach 1.25 metres. Meanwhile, barges are advised to be cautious if wind speeds reach 16 knots and wave heights reach 1.5 metres,” he said.

He added that the BMKG continues to ask coastal communities and maritime activity participants to regularly update information on maritime weather developments through the official channels of the BMKG Kendari Maritime Meteorology Station.