The night of Tuesday, 7 October 2025, will offer a rare spectacle as the first supermoon of 2025 coincides with the so-called Supermoon or Harvest Moon closest to the autumnal equinox.
Visible from Europe, North America, and parts of Asia and Africa, the event will see the Moon appear noticeably larger and brighter than usual.
In the United Kingdom, the supermoon will rise above the horizon at around 6:20 p.m. local time.
For Indonesia, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the full perigee, or supermoon phase, will occur on 7 October 2025 at 10:47 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).
At that point, the Moon will be 361,458 kilometres from Earth, around 10 per cent closer than its average distance of 384,400 kilometres.
This will be the first supermoon since November 2024, marking the beginning of a rare sequence of three consecutive supermoons. The next two are expected on 5 November and 4 December 2025.
The Meaning Behind the Supermoon / Harvest Moon
The 2025 Supermoon will reach its peak at 11:47 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, 6 October, which corresponds to 3:47 p.m. UTC on Tuesday, 7 October.
The Moon will appear full for three nights, on 5, 6, and 7 October, offering skywatchers an extended viewing opportunity.
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It traditionally signalled the end of the harvest season when farmers relied on its bright light to continue working into the night.
As such, the name “Harvest Moon” reflects the practical and cultural importance of this celestial event.
The full Moon will appear around 14 per cent larger and up to 30 per cent brighter than usual due to its proximity to Earth. This occurs because the Moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical, meaning it occasionally moves closer (perigee) or further away (apogee) from the planet.
Best Places to Watch the Supermoon in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the supermoon will rise shortly after sunset, between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. WIB, coinciding with the start of the Orionid Meteor Shower. Astronomy communities recommend viewing the event from locations free of light pollution for the best experience.
Mount Bromo, East Java
Renowned for its panoramic views and low light conditions, Mount Bromo offers an ideal vantage point. Visitors can witness the supermoon illuminating the volcanic landscape and surrounding savannah. Access is available via jeep tours from Malang or Surabaya, making it a popular weekend destination.
Rinjani National Park, Lombok
Situated at high altitude, Rinjani provides exceptionally dark skies on the Bortle scale. From here, the supermoon will appear more defined, while the Orionid meteors may be visible in greater numbers. The park is accessible via ferry from Bali.
Canggu Beach Bali
For expat, Canggu Beach offers a clear eastern horizon for moonrise. It is also accessible and well-suited for those seeking a balance between convenience and a natural setting.
BMKG Issues Warning of Potential Tidal Floods
While the supermoon promises an impressive display, BMKG has cautioned that the phenomenon could also bring higher sea levels due to the Moon’s gravitational pull.
BMKG reported that the combination of the Moon’s perigee and full phase may lead to tidal flooding (rob) in several coastal regions across Indonesia.
“The potential for coastal flooding will generally impact community activities around ports and coastlines, such as loading and unloading activities at ports, activities in coastal settlements, as well as salt ponds and inland fisheries,” BMKG stated in its official release on Monday, 6 October 2025.
The agency identified several regions at risk, including the coasts of North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Bangka Belitung Islands, Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North and East Kalimantan, South and Central Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, and Maluku.
BMKG urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant and to monitor maritime weather updates.