Authorities Intensify Patrols to Prevent Entry into Anak Krakatau Danger Zone
South Lampung (ANTARA) - A joint team has intensified patrols in the waters surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau, South Lampung Regency, to prevent the public and tourists from entering the dangerous zone designated as a restricted area.
The joint patrol involves the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Water Police Unit (Satpolair) of the South Lampung Police, the Water Police Directorate (Ditpolair) of the Lampung Regional Police, and the Medical and Health Section (Sie Dokkes) of the South Lampung Police.
The Head of the Water Police Unit of South Lampung Police, Iptu Panpan Hermayadi, stated in Kalianda on Sunday that the patrols are being conducted as a form of collective supervision over community activities around the Mount Anak Krakatau area.
“This patrol is a joint effort to ensure that the community does not engage in activities within the zone designated as a restricted area. Public safety is our priority,” he said.
He explained that the patrols target the waters surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau to monitor community activities and anticipate the entry of residents and tourists into high-risk areas.
During the patrol conducted on Sunday at approximately 06:00 WIB, officers discovered a fisherman casting nets within a prohibited radius of Mount Anak Krakatau. Officers approached the fisherman to issue a warning and provide an explanation regarding the dangers of operating within the restricted zone. The fisherman was also instructed to move away from the Mount Anak and Krakatau area immediately.
In addition to issuing warnings, the authorities distributed masks to the fisherman as part of an effort to protect against potential exposure to volcanic material.
“We found a fisherman conducting activities in a prohibited area. We provided an explanation and requested that the individual move away immediately for their own safety,” he said.
In addition to monitoring fishermen, officers also observed a white speedboat approaching the Mount Anak Krakatau area during the operation. The team attempted to inspect the vessel, which was suspected to have arrived from Java and was carrying tourists intending to approach the volcanic area.
However, as officers approached, the speedboat turned around and left the area, heading towards Banten waters.
“When the team saw the boat approaching the Mount Anak Krakatau area, they immediately conducted a check. However, the boat then turned around and left the location towards the waters of Java Island,” he added.
Consequently, he reminded the public and tourists not to approach Mount Anak Krakatau and to comply with the established exclusion zones to avoid safety risks resulting from volcanic activity.
Joint patrols will continue as a preventative measure to ensure that the restricted area is not entered by individuals engaged in fishing or tourism activities.