LBFTA Strengthens Coordination with BMKG Labuan Bajo, Supporting Tourism Safety and Security in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo, January 28, 2026 — Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA) or Badan Pelaksana Otorita Labuan Bajo Flores (BPOLBF) conducted a working visit and formal audience with the Labuan Bajo Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) as part of efforts to finalize cross-sector coordination to support safety, comfort, and tourism aspirations in Labuan Bajo and West Manggarai Regency in general.

During the meeting, Acting President Director of LBFTA, Andhy MT Marpaung, expressed his appreciation for the strategic role of BMKG Labuan Bajo in providing regular weather and climate information, which serves as an important reference for various stakeholders, particularly in the tourism and maritime transportation sectors.

“The LBFTA appreciates the support of the BMKG Labuan Bajo, which has consistently provided weather and climate information. These forecasts serve as the basis for relevant authorities in establishing policies, including issuing sailing permits, to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism operators,” said Andhy.

He also stated that the LBFTA has held discussions with tourism associations regarding the impact of tourism closures due to weather conditions, which often lead to trip cancellations. Through these discussions, the LBFTA encouraged the search for solutions in the form of developing and promoting alternative tourist destinations that are more suitable for visits during the off-season.

Furthermore, the LBFTA requested the support of the BMKG Labuan Bajo in providing weather information to support various tourism events, including the Weekend At Parapuar (WAP) program.

Meanwhile, the Head of the BMKG Labuan Bajo, Maria Seran, explained that structurally, the BMKG Labuan Bajo is a Class IV Komodo Meteorological Station, which results in limited human resources compared to higher-class stations. However, the Labuan Bajo BMKG is not only tasked with providing weather forecasts for airport operations, but also carries out additional duties in providing weather information for tourist destinations in the West Manggarai region.

“We are currently in discussions to upgrade the station’s class. If the upgrade is realized, there will be opportunities for equipment upgrades, including weather radar with a range of up to 250 kilometers, which allows for rainfall forecasts up to three hours in advance,” explained Maria Seran.

She added that the weather information provided by the Labuan Bajo BMKG is not only utilized by the tourism sector but is also crucial for fishermen and the general public. The Labuan Bajo BMKG has also identified the need for additional weather sensors in the southern region of Labuan Bajo, considering that currently most monitoring equipment still emits light in the northern region of West Manggarai Regency.

Maria Seran emphasized that the BMKG plays a role in providing weather forecasts, while decisions regarding shipping activities or closures rest with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Through this audience, LBFTA affirmed its commitment to continuously strengthen synergy with BMKG Labuan Bajo and all stakeholders to realize safe, weather-adaptive, and sustainable tourism management in Labuan Bajo.

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Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority