BMKG has forecasted that strong winds will continue to impact several districts and cities in North Sumatra, including the Lake Toba area. The North Sumatra provincial government urges ferry operators to adhere to crossing regulations.
“Given the extreme weather conditions, these winds will undoubtedly affect transportation operations, particularly in the Lake Toba region and the Nias Islands,” stated Agustinus Panjaitan, Head of the North Sumatra Transportation Agency, on Friday, June 13, 2025. The Lake Toba Port Authority (KSOPP) has already issued a ban on crossings during the recent strong winds. Agustinus emphasized the importance of compliance with these regulations for operators whose licenses are issued by the provincial government.
“Yesterday, as the strong winds hit, KSOPP issued a warning against sailing, and we continue to stress the importance of following these rules, especially for transportation licensed by the provincial government,” he added. Agustinus urged ferry operators not to overlook these regulations, as wind is a critical factor in ensuring safety. “It is essential to adhere to the established guidelines, as wind conditions significantly influence safety,” he concluded.
BMKG has indicated that the potential for strong winds will persist across various regions in North Sumatra. Residents are advised to remain vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities. According to data from BBMKG Region I Medan, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, wind conditions were recorded in the South China Sea at coordinates 16.9°N, 110.9°E (approximately 1680 km northwest of Tarakan). The winds are moving northwest at a speed of 6 knots (11 km/h), away from Indonesian territory.
The wind strength reached 45 knots (83 km/h). The maximum wind speed of Tropical Cyclone WUTIP is expected to increase over the next 24 hours, although it remains categorized as a level 1 cyclone, moving northwest away from Indonesia, as reported by Martha Manurung, Head of the MCEWS Team at BBMKG Region I, on Wednesday, June 11. Martha noted that Tropical Cyclone WUTIP indirectly affects extreme weather conditions and waters in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra, over the 24-hour period from June 11, 2025, at 07:00 WIB to June 12, 2025, at 07:00 WIB.
Several districts still experiencing strong winds in North Sumatra include Medan, Binjai, Deli Serdang, Langkat, Karo, Sergai, and Simalungun, as well as the waters of Lake Toba, Asahan, Dairi, Pakpak Bharat, Mandailing Natal, North Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Padang Lawas, and North Padang Lawas.
As a result of the strong winds, a local fishing boat capsized. Hery Marantika, Head of the Medan Search and Rescue Office, reported that the incident occurred in the Rondang Bulan Pulo Tao area of Simanindo on Tuesday, June 10, when the victim, Amran Malau (49), was fishing with his brother.
“While they were out on a small boat, they were struck by strong winds and high waves, causing the boat to overturn,” Hery explained in a statement on Wednesday, June 11. During the incident, the victim’s brother was rescued by nearby residents, but Amran did not resurface. Tragically, the incident was reported to the Lake Toba SAR Post, and Amran was later found deceased.
