Banten Implements Three Days of Remote Learning Amid Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau

School activities in Banten have officially been suspended for three days due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, which has spread almost evenly across the province.

Learning activities will be halted from Monday, 7 September to Wednesday, 9 September. In their place, students are required to undertake Distance Learning (PJJ) at home for the sake of collective safety and security.

“The Education and Culture Office (Dindikbud) of Banten Province has temporarily shifted teaching and learning activities at senior secondary school (SMA), vocational school (SMK) and special school (SKh) levels to Distance Learning,” said Andra Soni, Governor of Banten, on Monday (7/9).

The Banten Provincial Government has also sent official letters to all regencies and cities within its jurisdiction, instructing them to implement remote learning across all levels of education, owing to the spread of volcanic dust and air quality that is concerning for public health.

“We have coordinated to carry out distance learning for three days,” he explained.

The school holiday and remote learning arrangements may be extended depending on the spread of volcanic ash and air quality conditions.

The Banten Provincial Government will seek assessments from the Environmental Agency (DLH), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), and the Health Office regarding air quality, to determine whether in-school lessons are feasible or should remain suspended.

“For now, we are applying distance learning for three days. We will evaluate further based on field conditions, to see whether it needs to be extended or not,” said Jamaluddin, Head of the Banten Education and Culture Office, on Monday.