Storms Come From The Sea, Maluku Coastal Residents Asked To Be Alert

The Ambon Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Meteorological Station issued an early warning regarding the potential for high waves accompanied by strong winds that are expected to occur in a number of Maluku waters from 1 to 4 August 2025.

The head of the Ambon Mujahideen Maritime Meteorological Station said the wind pattern in the Maluku region during this period generally blows from east to southeast at an average speed of 6 to 25 knots.

"The highest wind speed was observed in a number of areas such as the waters of Buru Island, Kei Islands, Aru Islands, Tanimbar Islands, West Babar Islands waters, Sermata Islands and Leti Islands, Wetar, Banda Sea, and Arafuru Sea," said Mujahidin in Ambon, Antara, Friday, August 1.

BMKG noted that moderate wave heights, between 1.25 and 2.5 meters, are likely to occur in the waters of Buru Island, Ambon Island and Lease, southern waters of Central Maluku, West Seram, Gorong Island (East Seram), Banda Neira Islands waters, northern parts of the Aru Islands, as well as Wetar and Banda Sea.

Meanwhile, waves with a height of between 2.5 and 4 meters are expected to hit the Kei Islands, the southern part of the Aru Islands, the western and eastern parts of the Tanimbar Islands, the Babar Islands, Sermata to Leti Island, and the Arafuru Sea.

BMKG appealed to the public, especially fishermen and shipping service users, to be aware of the high risk of shipping safety due to high waves accompanied by strong winds.

"For fishing boats, it is advised not to go to sea if the wind speed reaches 15 knots and wave height of 1.25 meters," said Mujahidin.

As for barges, activities are requested to be stopped if the wind speed touches 16 knots with a wave height of 1.5 meters. Meanwhile, ferries are asked to be alert at wind speeds of 21 knots and waves as high as 2.5 meters.

"For large ships such as cargo ships or cruise ships, you need to be aware if the wind speed reaches 27 knots with a wave height of up to 4 meters," he said.

Mujahidin also reminded people who live or are active in coastal areas to remain alert to the possible impact of the high waves.