North Lombok, insightnusantara.com – Local authorities temporarily closed the crossing route from Bangsal Port to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, as well as Bali, following a bad weather warning from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Balai Besar Region III, Denpasar Bali by issuing a Circular Letter of Weather Forecast from BMKG numbered PJ 008/11/2025, dated February 11, 2025. This closure is carried out to prioritize shipping safety, considering the potential for high waves and strong winds in the waters.
According to BMKG, the wind speed in the Sumbawa Sea and the South Indian Ocean of Bali-NTB is estimated to reach 25-30 knots, with the wave height in the Badung Strait, South Lombok Strait, and the South Indian Ocean of Bali-NTB can reach 2 meters or more. Cloudy weather conditions and the potential for light to moderate rain also worsen the situation.
North Lombok Police Chief, AKBP Agus Purwanta, emphasized that the closure of this crossing is based on the BMKG report and field condition monitoring. "This decision was taken to avoid potential danger to shipping, especially for small ships that usually serve the Bangsal - Tiga Gili or Bangsal - Bali routes," he said.
The police together with the Water Police Unit (Sat Polair), the Navy (AL), and the Victory Office and the Port Authority (KPLP) Pemenang have coordinated to maintain the safety of the voyage.
Head of Polair, AKP Sugi Jaya, added that his party will conduct intensive patrols and ensure that no ships sail without permission. "Ships that operate without permission will be strictly actioned, because this can endanger the safety of passengers and crew," he said.
In Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, the authorities also educate tourists, boat operators, and tourism business owners about this decision. The Chief of Police of Gili Indah, IPTU Mahardika, emphasized the importance of being aware of extreme weather.
"We also coordinate with hotel and restaurant managers to provide information to affected tourists," he explained.
A number of tourists who want to go on vacation or return to Bali are forced to postpone their trip due to this closure. One of them, Marco, a tourist from France, admitted that he understood the decision even though he was a little disappointed.
"Safety is more important than haste. I hope there is faster and more accurate information about when the crossing will reopen," he said.
Abdul Rohman, one of the fast boat operators in Bangsal Port, expressed his readiness to follow the government's policy.
"Even though we lose money in business, passenger safety is still the priority," he said.
The police urge the public and tourists to follow the official information from the relevant authorities and do not easily trust the information circulating on social media.
"We will continue to monitor the development of the weather and give an announcement regarding the reopening of the crossing," said AKBP Agus Purwanta. ( zett )
0 Komentar