Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Local Activities; Basic Needs Must Be Anticipated

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has the potential to disrupt various community activities in the affected areas. This situation must be anticipated by ensuring that basic needs, healthcare services, and access to aid remain available to the public.

Surahman Hidayat, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that managing the impact of the eruption requires more than just monitoring volcanic activity and issuing early warnings. The protection of the community must also be a priority, especially for residents whose daily activities are being disrupted by the eruption’s effects.

“The most important thing is the people. We must ensure that citizens already affected by the disaster do not have to face new problems because basic needs, health, or access to aid are not met,” Surahman said in a press release, quoted on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

The impact of the eruption can affect various aspects of community life, ranging from health, economic activity, and children’s education to mobility and the social condition of families. Therefore, needs such as food, clean water, healthcare services, respiratory protection, and the specific needs of vulnerable groups must be part of the management strategy.

“Do not only count how many areas are hit by volcanic ash. We must also look at how many families have their activities disrupted, who needs assistance the most, and what they require to continue living safely,” he expressed.

Special attention is also required for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with limited access to services. These groups are deemed to require greater protection and support during disaster conditions.

In addition to basic needs, Surahlarman urged for follow-up measures if the impact of the eruption persists over a long period. He noted that aid and assistance to the community should be provided sustainably until the residents’ living conditions have fully recovered.

“Aid should not only appear when the situation becomes a matter of public attention. If the impact lasts longer, the state must ensure that the community continues to receive assistance until conditions have truly recovered,” he emphasised.

As a member of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, which oversees social affairs and works with partners in disaster management, Surahman also assessed that coordination between central and regional governments needs to be strengthened. Such coordination is necessary to ensure that affected communities receive proper protection and adequate services.