As the holiday crowds head to Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta’s iconic black-sand coastline, authorities have issued a strong warning: swimming is strictly off-limits. The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, has formally banned tourists from bathing in the sea to prevent tragic accidents during the busy school break.
The move has earned full backing from marine experts, including Widodo Setiyo Pranowo, Principal Researcher in Applied Oceanography at the Center for Climate and Atmospheric Research (BRIN). Widodo, who also teaches at the Naval Technology College (STTAL), explained why the ban is critical for public safety.
“From June to August, we enter the easterly wind season. The wind moves from Australia towards mainland Asia, passing over Indonesia, especially above the Indian Ocean,” Widodo told detiktravel on Tuesday (1/7/2025). As these winds reach Java, they deflect southwards, creating a Coriolis effect—a force generated by Earth’s rotation.
“This increases the potential for rip currents, which could appear more frequently during the school holiday season,” he added.
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Rip currents, or “arus rip,” are powerful flows of water that can sweep swimmers out to deeper sea within moments. Their danger becomes greater when sunny holiday weather encourages tourists to ignore official warnings. Widodo highlighted an alarming trend among young visitors: many suffer from FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—which drives them to take risks just for social media content.
“The worry is that they’ll enter the water, into areas with high rip current potential, and get dragged out to sea,” he cautioned.
While there are self-rescue techniques to survive rip currents, these strategies are effective only for those who can swim and understand what rip currents are. “Unfortunately, kids and teenagers might not yet understand rip currents,” Widodo said.
The marine scientist also pointed out that strong currents aren’t unique to Parangtritis. Similar dangers extend along much of Java’s southern coastline, especially in areas directly facing the Indian Ocean.
“Perhaps there are beach spots with coral in front, creating shallow pools of water—maybe those are safer. Also, areas located more within bays,” he advised.
Sri Sultan’s decision, supported by experts, aims to keep holidaymakers safe as thousands flock to Parangtritis Beach—a site steeped in legend, known for its wild waves, black volcanic sand, and the enduring myth of Ratu Kidul, Queen of the Southern Sea.
In the end, while the sea’s beauty tempts many, understanding and respecting nature’s power remains the key to a safe holiday.
