BMKG Issues High Wave Warning for Indonesian Waters: Safety Tips for Fishermen and Mariners
High Waves Warning in Indonesia
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning for high waves in various Indonesian waters on November 23-24, 2024.
BMKG forecaster Ryan Putra Pambudi reported that wind patterns in northern Indonesia generally blow from the northeast to east at speeds between 8 to 30 knots. In the southern region, winds typically move from east to southeast at similar speeds.
The strongest winds are found in the western Indian Ocean near the Nias Islands and western Bengkulu. This situation is causing waves to reach heights of 1.25 to 2.5 meters in areas such as:
- Northern part of the Malacca Strait
- Western Indian Ocean of Nias Islands
- Western Indian Ocean of Lampung
- Southern Indian Ocean of Banten
- Southern Indian Ocean of West Java
- Southern Indian Ocean of Central Java
- Southern Indian Ocean of DI Yogyakarta
- Southern Indian Ocean of East Java
- Southern Indian Ocean of Bali
- Southern Indian Ocean of West Nusa Tenggara
- Southern Indian Ocean of East Nusa Tenggara
Higher waves between 2.5 to 4.0 meters may occur in:
- Western Indian Ocean of Aceh
- Mentawai Islands
- Bengkulu
BMKG warns that these high waves can threaten maritime safety. Fishermen should be cautious of wind speeds over 15 knots and waves exceeding 1.25 meters. Barges should avoid wind speeds above 16 knots and wave heights over 1.5 meters. Ferries should steer clear of winds exceeding 21 knots and waves over 2.5 meters. Large vessels like cargo and cruise ships are advised to avoid wind speeds above 27 knots and waves exceeding 4.0 meters.
Stay safe and heed these warnings if you are in or near affected waters.