November 19, 2025 | 11:04 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After being observed to continuously strengthen, the seed of cyclone 97S has now evolved into Tropical Cyclone FINA since 01:00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time) early this morning, Tuesday, November 19, 2025.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Indonesia recorded that this cyclone is currently centered in the Arafura Sea, south of the Tanimbar Islands, precisely 465 kilometers south-southwest of the Banda Islands.
Deputy for Meteorology of BMKG, Guswanto, explained that the strength of this cyclone falls into category 1, with maximum wind speeds of 40 knots or about 75 kilometers per hour, and a pressure of 993 hPa. Tropical Cyclone FINA is observed to be moving towards the east-northeast at a speed of 4 knots or 8 kilometers per hour, a close distance to Indonesia.
"This rapid growth has prompted BMKG to immediately issue early warnings regarding the potential for extreme weather, especially heavy to very heavy rain, as well as dangerous sea waves in the Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) regions," said Guswanto in a written statement this Wednesday morning.
Potential to Strengthen into Category 2
Tropical Cyclone FINA is expected to continue strengthening over the next 24 hours. According to BMKG's analysis, its maximum wind speed could reach 55 knots or 100 kilometers per hour, placing it into category 2. The cyclone's position is likely to be in the Arafura Sea, southeast of the Tanimbar Islands, with a continued northeastward movement.
Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by strong winds are likely to hit the Maluku region, starting from the Southwest Maluku Regency, Tanimbar Islands, and the Aru Islands. There is also a potential for moderate to heavy rain throughout the NTT region.
BMKG also reminds sailors of the threat of dangerously high waves, reaching heights of 2.5-4 meters, which will appear in the western and central parts of the Arafura Sea. Additionally, medium waves of up to 2.5 meters are expected in the southern waters of NTT, Sawu Sea, Leti Islands to Tanimbar Islands, and the Banda Sea.
Fishermen towing boats for docking in the area of Pelabuhan Jepara, Jobokuto, Jepara, Central Java, Saturday, February 3, 2024. The BMKG's maritime meteorological station in Tanjung Emas Semarang issued early warnings of the potential for high waves up to 2.5 meters in the central part of the Java Sea and the waters of Karimunjawa on February 3-4, 2024. ANTARA FOTO/Yusuf Nugroho
The Public Meteorology Director of BMKG, Andri Ramdhani, advises all residents and stakeholders to increase preventive measures and disaster preparedness. Regulators in the affected areas, especially in Maluku and NTT, should be prepared to minimize the risks of extreme weather.
"Local governments in Maluku and NTT are urged to increase coordination and preparedness for potential disasters such as floods, flash floods, and damage caused by strong winds," said Andri.
Fishermen and ship operators are also advised to postpone or limit their activities, especially in the Arafuru Sea. This warning also applies to those sailing in waters with the risk of dangerously high waves. BMKG asks the public to remain calm but vigilant and proactive.
BMKG's Andri assures that they will continue to intensively monitor the movement of Tropical Cyclone FINA. "We will provide regular updates on the information," he said.
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