BMKG Warns of Waves Up to 4 Meters Around Bali

Labuan Bajo — The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) warned of waves measuring 1,25 to 4 meters in Indonesian waters from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18, 2026. The warning covers a range of sea areas, including the Bali Sea, the Sumbawa Sea and waters south of Bali.

The higher waves, measuring 2,5 to 4 meters, were forecast in the Indian Ocean west of the Mentawai Islands, Bengkulu and Lampung, as well as south of Banten, West Java and Bali. Waves of 1,25 to 2,5 meters were expected across broader areas, including the northern Malacca Strait, the Java Sea, the Makassar Strait, the Maluku Sea, the northern Pacific Ocean and the Arafura Sea.

High waves could disrupt sea travel around Bali

For foreign visitors and residents, the warning concerns travel and work at sea rather than movement on land. Ferry passengers, boat operators and people using coastal services may face rougher conditions in the affected waters. BMKG urged fishermen and marine-transport operators to increase their vigilance and consider maritime weather conditions before departure.

The agency said the forecast was linked to prevailing wind patterns. North of the equator, winds were generally expected to blow from the southeast to the southwest at 6 to 20 knots. South of the equator, winds were forecast from the east to the southeast at 8 to 25 knots.

BMKG identified different risk thresholds for vessel types. Fishing boats were considered vulnerable when winds exceeded 15 knots and waves reached 1,25 meters. Barges faced risk when winds exceeded 16 knots and waves reached 1,5 meters. For ferries, the stated warning level was winds from 21 knots and waves reaching 2,5 meters.

The warning applied through Oct. 18, 2026. BMKG also urged people living or working in coastal areas near the affected waters to remain alert to changing maritime weather conditions.

Sources

• RRI — Indonesian public radio news report
• kupang.tribunnews.com
• news.espos.id
• tangselpos.id