The Saudi embassy warns against travel to Sitaro, Indonesia due to flooding

The Saudi Embassy in Indonesia issued an urgent and important warning to all Saudi citizens, whether residing in or visiting Indonesia, urging them to avoid travel to the Sitaro region in North Sulawesi at this time. This warning comes in response to the severe weather conditions affecting the region, which have led local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Details of the warning and state of emergency in Sulawesi

The embassy explained in its statement that this alert was issued based on official announcements from the relevant Indonesian authorities, which declared a state of emergency in the Siau Tagulandang and Biaru Islands (known as Sitaro) province in North Sulawesi. The state of emergency was declared to begin on January 5 and continue until January 18, 2026, due to severe flooding and flash floods that swept through the region.

The embassy stressed the importance of exercising extreme caution and staying away from areas where water accumulates and flood channels, emphasizing the need to contact the embassy's Saudi Affairs Department in case of emergencies to provide the necessary assistance.

Geographical and climatic context: Why do floods occur so frequently in Indonesia?

To understand the nature of these warnings, one must consider Indonesia's geographical context. The country is located in a tropical region and comprises thousands of islands, making it highly susceptible to extreme weather events. Indonesia is known for its heavy rainy season (monsoon) that typically lasts for several months. During this time, continuous rainfall causes rivers to swell and soil to become saturated, leading to flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas like Sulawesi.

Sulawesi Island, particularly its northern part, is characterized by rugged terrain and intense geological and climatic activity. These factors make the infrastructure in remote villages and districts like Sitaro vulnerable to rapid damage when rainfall exceeds the land's capacity, necessitating government intervention and the declaration of states of emergency to protect lives and property.

The importance of adhering to diplomatic warnings

These warnings are of paramount importance for the safety of tourists and citizens abroad. Floods in these areas often lead to road closures, communication network disruptions, and difficulty accessing medical or food services. Therefore, citizens' adherence to embassy guidelines and avoidance of affected areas is not merely a routine procedure, but a necessary step to ensure their safety and facilitate the work of local rescue teams.

The embassy always advises registering passports and following local and official media for the latest information on weather conditions and road safety before traveling between Indonesian islands during the rainy season.