Nusa Tenggara Timur's coastal communities face oil spill and high wave warnings

An oil spill contaminated the coast of three villages—Hansisi, Huilelot and Uiasa—in the Semau district of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The spill, linked to the salvage operation of the sunken MV Kuala Mas by PT Nusalindo on 29 July 2026, released oil that spread toward the villages of Letbaun and Batuinan, threatening local seaweed farms. PT Nusalindo halted the salvage work and deployed oil booms, absorbent material and dispersants, while cleanup crews and residents began removing oil from the shoreline.

Separately, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning for the region, advising residents to beware of wave heights up to 2.5 metres in several NTT waters from 2 August to 5 August. The warning covered areas such as Selat Sape, Selat Alor, Selat Sumba, Laut Sawu and the waters around Kupang‑Rote, noting the risk to navigation and public safety.