Published on
December 28, 2025
Indonesia has closed Komodo National Park’s Padar and Komodo Islands in East Nusa Tenggara following a tragic boat sinking in rough seas. The closure comes after a deadly incident that occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, when a cruise boat capsized between the two popular islands. Search efforts continue for the missing Spanish tourists, who were among the 11 people on board. Seven passengers, including two from Spain, were rescued, but four individuals remain unaccounted for. Local authorities have suspended all sailing permits between Padar and Komodo Islands until the weather improves, as rough seas and strong currents make rescue operations difficult. The decision to lock down the islands aims to ensure safety and support ongoing search and rescue operations. This incident has sent shockwaves through the local tourism industry, with the closure disrupting the plans of many travelers eager to visit these world-renowned islands.
The Boat Accident that Sparked the Closure
The decision to close the islands was made after a tragic boat accident occurred, which involved a vessel carrying 11 people. The boat was en route between Padar and Komodo islands when it capsized, causing immediate concern for both passengers and authorities. The crew and passengers faced perilous conditions as adverse weather was already reported in the region.
Local authorities stated that the weather conditions around the islands were increasingly dangerous. Monitoring stations recorded increasing wave heights, strong currents, and gusty winds, all of which contributed to the unfortunate incident. The decision to halt all boat operations between Padar and Komodo was made in response to these concerns.
Authorities have confirmed that the boat’s sinking left four passengers still missing. As of the latest updates, seven of the 11 individuals on board were successfully rescued, including two tourists from Spain, a local tour guide, and the crew members. A dedicated team of rescue workers has been mobilized to search for the missing passengers, and search operations continue around the clock.
Efforts to Recover Missing Passengers
The search for the missing four passengers, including tourists and locals, is currently underway. Rescue teams have been operating from Labuan Bajo, the main port of entry for tourists to Komodo National Park. These efforts have been complicated by challenging weather conditions, as authorities have warned of strong winds and high waves until at least January 1, 2026.
Local authorities are working closely with the Indonesian Coast Guard and rescue teams to locate the missing individuals. The search is being coordinated under the watchful eye of the National Search and Rescue Agency, with regular updates being provided to the public. Though the weather has not cooperated, authorities remain hopeful that the missing passengers will be found soon.
Suspension of Sailing Permits and Impact on Local Tourism
The decision to suspend sailing permits for boats traveling between Padar and Komodo islands reflects the seriousness of the situation. Stephanus Risdiyanto, the head of the Komodo National Park office, confirmed that the sailing permits for this route will remain suspended until weather conditions improve and the safety of passengers and crew can be assured.
This suspension is expected to affect local tourism significantly, especially given that both Padar and Komodo are key highlights in Indonesia’s famous Komodo National Park. Komodo is renowned for its population of the ancient Komodo dragons, a rare species that draws nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure travelers from around the world. Padar Island is equally popular, known for its picturesque beaches and hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
The closure of these islands will impact the livelihoods of local tour operators, boat crews, and guides who rely heavily on the influx of tourists visiting the park each year. However, authorities emphasized that the closure is a necessary measure to prioritize safety and prevent further accidents.
What Tourists Need to Know
Travelers planning to visit the region are advised to postpone their plans for the time being. The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), has issued a series of warnings urging vessels in the area to avoid setting sail until conditions improve. The BMKG has forecasted rough seas, powerful winds, and high waves in the coming days, all of which could potentially endanger the safety of passengers and crew on the water.
All tourists who were previously booked for tours in Komodo National Park and surrounding areas will need to make alternative plans. For now, it is recommended that travelers keep an eye on official government announcements regarding the status of the closure and the resumption of sailing services. Tour operators have been instructed to issue refunds or reschedule trips once the islands reopen.
Ongoing Weather Concerns
Weather-related accidents like this one are unfortunately not uncommon in the region, particularly during the wet season, which spans from November to March. The unpredictable nature of tropical storms in Indonesia means that boats operating in these waters often face high risks, especially during storms or when the sea conditions deteriorate quickly. It is critical for vessels to adhere to weather warnings and ensure that their boats are seaworthy before embarking on any journey, as emphasized by local authorities.
With the weather showing no signs of improvement in the immediate future, the Indonesian authorities are continuously monitoring conditions to assess when it would be safe to lift the suspension. The resumption of sailing between Padar and Komodo will only occur once safety is assured for tourists and workers alike.
Future of Komodo National Park and Cruise Tourism in Indonesia
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a major attraction for international tourists visiting Indonesia for years. The region is not only home to the famous Komodo dragons but also boasts an incredibly rich marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. The suspension of tours to Komodo and Padar may prompt authorities to re-evaluate safety protocols for the local cruise and tourism industry.
As the region works to recover from this incident, there is likely to be a renewed focus on improving safety measures for boat operators and tourists. For now, the priority remains on the safe recovery of the missing passengers and ensuring the region’s future as a top tourist destination once the situation stabilizes.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of Padar and Komodo islands following the tragic boat accident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the tourism industry in the region, especially concerning safety and weather unpredictability. While the closure has disrupted the travel plans of many, it is a necessary step to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals. Authorities remain committed to recovering the missing passengers and ensuring that Komodo National Park remains a safe destination for future travelers. For now, all eyes are on the rescue efforts, with the hope that the islands will reopen to tourists soon.
