The rainy season does not start everywhere at once. For 2026/27 BMKG forecasts a later-than-normal start (most areas November–December 2026) and a peak in December 2026 – February 2027, depending on region.
BMKG (press release, 22 September 2026) · BMKG (press release, 22 September 2026) ▾
bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “Sebagian besar wilayah baru akan mengawali musim hujan pada bulan November 2026 (185 ZOM/24,66% wilayah) dan Desember 2026 (266 ZOM/17,31% wilayah).”
bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “sebagian besar wilayah Indonesia diprediksi akan mengalami puncak musim hujan 2026/2027 pada bulan Desember 2026 yaitu sebanyak 155 ZOM (36,94% luas daratan Indonesia), pada Januari 2027 yaitu sebanyak 162 ZOM (25,68% luas daratan Indonesia), dan pada Februari 2027”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
A foreign yacht visiting Indonesia as a tourist vessel may not be used commercially (e.g. chartered out).
Presidential Regulation No. 105 of 2015 (via JDIH Ministry of Finance) ▾
jdih.kemenkeu.go.id (2026-10-14): “Kapal wisata (yacht) asing yang melakukan kunjungan wisata di wilayah Indonesia dilarang untuk dikomersilkan”
Official warnings
There is a high level of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the Sulu and Celebes Seas and the Malacca Straits.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “in and around the Sulu and Celebes seas and in the Malacca Straits. Mariners should be vigilant, set up secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.”
Sea conditions can change rapidly; boats and ferries are often overloaded and poorly maintained, and child-size life jackets are often unavailable.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Travelling by boat or ferry can be dangerous as the sea conditions can change rapidly. Safety standards vary between providers. Vessels can be crowded and overloaded and are often poorly maintained.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Life jackets suitable for children are not always available so you may need to bring your own.”
Arriving by boat
Under Presidential Regulation 105/2015, foreign yachts enter and leave Indonesia through designated ports or marinas (Benoa in Bali is one), where port, customs, immigration and quarantine checks and the sailing approval (SPB) are handled. Crew and passengers must hold a valid stay permit.
Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia (8 October 2015) · Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia (8 October 2015) · Presidential Regulation No. 105 of 2015 (via JDIH Ministry of Finance) · Presidential Regulation No. 105 of 2015 (via JDIH Ministry of Finance) ▾
setkab.go.id (2026-10-14): “Pemeriksaan kepelabuhanan, kepabeanan, keimigrasian, dan karantina serta pemberian surat persetujuan berlayar (SPB)”
setkab.go.id (2026-10-14): “wajib memiliki izin tinggal sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan”
jdih.kemenkeu.go.id (2026-10-14): “Pelabuhan masuk atau pelabuhan keluar adalah pelabuhan atau marina yang ditetapkan sebagai tempat masuk dan keluar kapal wisata (yacht) asing.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Indonesia?+
In Indonesia, call Basarnas (SAR Nasional) on 115. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Indonesia?+
115 is the number the authorities in Indonesia give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Indonesia.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in Indonesia?+
The rainy season does not start everywhere at once. For 2026/27 BMKG forecasts a later-than-normal start (most areas November–December 2026) and a peak in December 2026 – February 2027, depending on region.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Indonesia?+
BMKG publishes Indonesian maritime weather forecasts, including shipping-route forecasts and high-wave warnings, at maritim.bmkg.go.id.
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