BMKG warns of high wave risks for national shipping from 30 May to 2 June 2026

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has warned maritime service users that potential high waves of up to four metres in certain sea areas pose significant risks to national shipping safety. BMKG’s Maritime Meteorology Director, Eko Prasetyo, stated on Saturday in Jakarta that all maritime transport operators, captains, and traditional fishermen must strictly observe vessel operational safety thresholds from 30 May to 2 June 2026. ‘The potential for high waves in these areas could jeopardise shipping safety. Therefore, BMKG urges the public to remain vigilant, particularly fishermen using transport vessels,’ he said. Fishing boats are highly vulnerable if forced to sail with winds exceeding 15 knots and waves over 1.25 metres, while barges face high risks with winds above 16 knots and waves exceeding 1.5 metres. Larger vessels such as cargo ships and cruise ships are advised to exercise caution when winds surpass 27 knots and waves exceed 4.0 metres. The highest risk currently threatens the North Natuna Sea, northern Malacca Strait, and western Aceh’s Indian Ocean, where waves of 2.5 to 4.0 metres are expected due to winds up to 25 knots. Additionally, moderate waves ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 metres are affecting a wide area, from the southern Indian Ocean off Java to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), northern Makassar Strait, Sulawesi Sea, Banda Sea, and Arafura Sea.