Labuan Bajo (ANTARA) - Padar and Komodo Islands in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, have been temporarily closed to visitors due to the potential for extreme weather, local port authorities said.
The decision followed a tourism boat incident on Friday evening and adverse weather observations from the monitoring post on Padar Island, the Labuan Bajo Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) said on Saturday.
Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the office, said the temporary closure was prompted by Friday night's KM Putri Sakinah accident and weather monitoring reports.
"Last night, we issued a notice to mariners (NtM) temporarily closing cruises to Komodo and Padar," he said, adding that the sailing permit (SPB) service for the Padar-Komodo route will remain suspended until conditions improve.
The cruise ban aims to facilitate search and rescue operations for four passengers still missing from the sunken ship. Seven of the 11 passengers on board were previously rescued, including two foreign tourists from Spain, a tour guide, and four crew members.
Three survivors were evacuated from Labuan Bajo to Padar Island, while the remaining four were rescued by the rescue team.
Risdiyanto urged vessels in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park waters to monitor forecasts and early warnings from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) until January 1, 2026.
"Avoid waters with the potential for extreme weather in Labuan Bajo due to predicted high waves, strong currents, and winds," he said.
He advised ship captains to ensure vessel seaworthiness, seek sheltered areas during bad weather, and coordinate with harbor authorities and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) if conditions worsen.
