High Waves in Riau Islands During 2026 Annular Solar Eclipse | BMKG Warning

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a marine warning for potentially high waves in parts of Indonesia, particularly around the Riau Islands (Kepri), including Anambas and Natuna, coinciding with the upcoming annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026. While the eclipse itself will not be visible in Indonesia, the BMKG is cautioning mariners and coastal communities to be aware of the existing elevated wave conditions.

According to Ramlan Djambak, head of the Class I Hang Nadim Batam Meteorological Station, the high waves are primarily due to the continued activity of the West Monsoon winds, locally referred to as North Winds in Kepri. “Waves in parts of Kepri, especially Anambas and Natuna, remain quite high because the West Monsoon winds are still active,” Djambak stated.

The BMKG has clarified that the annular solar eclipse is not expected to have a direct impact on the weather patterns in Kepri. The agency emphasized that eclipses are periodic events and do not inherently alter local meteorological conditions. However, the timing coincides with a period of already heightened wave activity.

While the region experienced a prolonged dry spell earlier in the year, with over 35 days without rainfall, conditions are now shifting. The BMKG reports that rainfall has begun to return to Kepri, albeit currently as light showers. This change suggests potentially more temperate weather during the upcoming month of Ramadan.

Despite the return of some rainfall, the marine forecast for February 17 indicates continued high waves, particularly in the Anambas and Natuna regions. The agency attributes this to sustained high wind speeds, which have been present for several weeks and are expected to persist. These conditions pose a potential risk to maritime transportation.

The BMKG is urging fishermen and ship captains to exercise caution and closely monitor weather conditions before embarking on voyages during this period. The elevated wave heights could create hazardous conditions for smaller vessels and potentially disrupt shipping routes.

The annular solar eclipse itself is expected to be primarily visible from Antarctica, traversing West Antarctica and along the Davis Sea coastline in the Southern Ocean.

Recent reports from the BMKG, dating back to July 31, 2025, and extending through August 4, 2025, have consistently highlighted the potential for high waves in various Indonesian waters. A warning issued in August 2025 indicated wave heights of up to 6 meters in certain areas, particularly in the Indian Ocean south of Java and Bali, and west of Lampung. These earlier warnings also noted strong winds in the Indian Ocean and the Arafura Sea as contributing factors.

In July 2025, the BMKG reported wave heights between 2.5 and 4 meters in parts of the Indian Ocean, west of the Mentawai Islands, Lampung, and Bengkulu, as well as along the southern coasts of Banten, West Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java. Similar wave heights were also predicted for the western, central, and eastern Arafura Sea.

a report from February 11, 2026, detailed wind patterns across Indonesia. The northern part of the country is experiencing winds from the northeast to the east at speeds of 5-20 knots, while the southern region is seeing winds from the southwest to the northwest at 3-16 knots. The highest wind speeds were recorded in the eastern Java Sea and the northern Pacific Ocean near Maluku.

These wind patterns are contributing to wave heights of 1.25-2.5 meters in areas including the northern Malacca Strait, the western Indian Ocean near Nias Islands, Bengkulu, Aceh, Mentawai Islands, Lampung, Banten, Central Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, West Java, Yogyakarta, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, North Natuna Sea, eastern Java Sea, Bali Sea, Flores Sea, Seram Sea, eastern Arafura Sea, western Arafura Sea, northern Karimata Strait, southern Makassar Strait, Sumbawa Sea, Banda Sea, Maluku Sea, central Arafura Sea, and northern Arafura Sea.

The BMKG is actively developing an impact-based forecasting early warning system, slated for implementation in 2026, to enhance the accuracy of hydrometeorological disaster mitigation. This system aims to provide more specific and actionable warnings based on the potential impacts of weather events, rather than solely focusing on meteorological parameters.

Coastal communities and maritime stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by the BMKG. Access to real-time flood forecasting and alert systems is available through the BMKG’s website. Staying vigilant and prepared is crucial for ensuring safety during periods of high wave activity.