BMKG urges tourism operators in Labuan Bajo to beware of increasing rainfall.

Labuan Bajo has long been known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, an exotic landscape featuring blue seas, savannah hills, and iconic sunsets. Yet beyond its charm, the 2025 rainy season brings unique challenges for residents, fishermen, and Tourism operators in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged heightened vigilance following increased rainfall this rainy season. 

Maria Seran, Head of the Komodo Meteorological Station, stated this condition should not be underestimated, especially as it's influenced by global climate phenomena. She appealed to the public, including fishermen and tourism operators, to increase alertness.

According to BMKG, this year's rainy season in West Manggarai is influenced by weak La Nina conditions and frequent tropical cyclone formations. 

This combination potentially intensifies rainfall both on land and in waters around Labuan Bajo, the central hub for Tourism activities.

West Manggarai has officially entered the rainy season. BMKG predicts high rainfall potential in several districts including Lembor, South Lembor, Sano Nggoang, Mbeliling, Welak, and Kuwus. 

Over the past three days, Labuan Bajo has experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

Maria Seran emphasized mitigation measures, especially for tourism operators active in marine and open environments.

"Mitigation efforts include monitoring BMKG early warnings, postponing sea activities during bad weather, and being alert to potential floods and landslides during prolonged rainfall," she stated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Regarding local government measures, West Manggarai Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng said village heads across 12 districts must proactively report natural disasters to the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

West Manggarai BPBD has established an emergency post for Extreme Weather impacts during the 2025-2026 rainy season. 

Advisory letters have been circulated to village heads and district heads to enhance preparedness for Extreme Weather.

Yulianus explained all disaster reports will be promptly addressed by BPBD personnel. If further handling is needed, incidents will be escalated to local government for official disaster status designation through regent decrees.

"The regional government has contingency funds (BTT), but fund utilization requires proper procedures: immediate reporting, BPBD field verification, and official disaster designation by the regent," he clarified.

Nearly all areas of West Manggarai face extreme weather risks. In Komodo and Boleng waters, high waves threaten tourism navigation. 

On land, potential landslides, tornadoes, and flash floods require anticipation.

As an additional measure, in November 2025 the local government instructed the Health Office to stock medicines across all districts to counter rainy-season diseases.(ANTARA)