Anak Krakatau Eruption: Transport Minister says airport paper tests conducted every 30 minutes
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has stated that paper tests are being conducted every 30 minutes at affected airports and other airports to monitor the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
The minister said intensive monitoring was carried out after the government updated the results of coordination with BMKG and all aviation stakeholders based on the latest weather developments on Sunday afternoon (6/9).
“We continue to monitor every half hour, 30 minutes, we carry out paper tests at all airports, not only at those eight airports, but at all airports, especially those heading east, to anticipate whether the spread of the dust is widening or decreasing,” said the minister, confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday.
According to Dudy, monitoring results show that the wind direction has changed from originally heading west to moving east at a speed of five knots at an altitude of 15,000 feet.
This change in wind direction has increased the government’s alertness because of concerns that the spread of volcanic ash could widen further and potentially affect flight operations in other areas.
The eight airports include Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, and Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung.
Also included are Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, Budiarto Airport in Curug, Tangerang, Pondok Cabe Airport in South Tangerang, Taufik Kiemas Airport in West Pesisir, Lampung, and Atung Bungsu Airport in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra.
The minister stressed that paper testing is not only carried out at the eight affected airports, but has also been extended to other airports located along the path of volcanic ash dispersal.
The measure is being taken to anticipate the possibility of the volcanic ash spreading further, so that the government can immediately make operational decisions based on the latest conditions on the ground.
Dudy said the government continues to update monitoring results every four hours by combining information from BMKG, airport operators, AirNav, and other relevant agencies.
The minister also asked Angkasa Pura, BMKG, and all stakeholders to provide continuous updates on the situation so that the public receives the latest flight operational information.
He stressed that all decisions regarding the opening or closing of airports will be based on field monitoring results while prioritising aviation safety.
The government has ensured that monitoring of volcanic ash movement will continue intensively until conditions are truly declared safe for flight operations in all affected areas.
“Every half hour we test. So until now, at the eight airports, it is still positive. We will continue to convey this; Angkasa Pura and BMKG will convey the information continuously,” said the minister.