BMKG Warns of Four-Metre Waves Near Sumbawa
BMKG warned of waves up to 4 metres in parts of Indonesian waters from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18, 2026, including the Bali Sea and Sumbawa Sea in its wider maritime alert.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Sumbawa Sea — Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning of potentially high waves in several Indonesian waters from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18, 2026. The warning included the Bali Sea and Sumbawa Sea, where waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres were forecast.
BMKG said higher waves, ranging from 2.5 to 4 metres, could affect parts of the Indian Ocean, including waters west of the Mentawai Islands, Bengkulu and Lampung, as well as waters south of Banten, West Java and Bali. The agency linked the conditions to wind patterns north and south of the equator, with winds reported at speeds of up to 25 knots.
BMKG urged fishermen and maritime-transport operators to increase caution because rough seas can directly affect sailing safety. The agency identified particular risks for fishing boats when winds exceed 15 knots and waves reach 1.25 metres, for barges when winds exceed 16 knots and waves reach 1.5 metres, and for ferries when winds reach 21 knots and waves reach 2.5 metres.
Why it matters to visitors and operators
For foreign visitors, the warning concerns boat journeys and other activities on the affected waters rather than a general closure of Bali or Sumbawa. Ferry passengers, divers, anglers and tourism operators using boats may encounter conditions that require closer attention to the latest maritime forecast and vessel operating conditions.
The Bali Sea and Sumbawa Sea were listed among waters where moderate-to-high waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres could occur during the warning period. The separate 2.5-to-4-metre forecast applied to specified Indian Ocean waters, including waters south of Bali, rather than to every sea area near Sumbawa.
BMKG’s warning covered Oct. 15 through Oct. 18, 2026. It said the risks were especially relevant to fishermen and maritime-transport users, with the thresholds varying by vessel type.
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