BMKG Requests Complete Information on Volcanic Ash to Prevent Misperception

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has requested the public, media, and content creators to convey information regarding volcanic ash in its entirety and within the proper context. This step is considered crucial to prevent public misunderstandings, particularly concerning the distribution of volcanic ash and aviation safety.

This appeal was released following the circulation of social media screenshots that appeared to criticise the official @infoBMKG account. BMKG clarified that the circulating images had been edited or cropped, creating a false perception that the BMKG administrator had provided an inappropriate response to a post by the Cabinet Secretariat.

The Senior Secretary of BMKG, Guswanda, explained that the viral comment was actually a specific answer to a netizen’s question, rather than a rebuttal to another institution. He emphasised the importance of precision in filtering information in the public sphere to avoid causing unnecessary commotion.

In its statement, BMKG also reaffirmed the division of authority with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). PVMBG is authorised to monitor internal activity and the status of volcanoes, while BMKG focuses on atmospheric monitoring and the distribution of volcanic ash for Volcanic Ash Advisory purposes for aviation.

“BMKG urges the public to be more careful, thorough, and to filter all information in the public sphere so that the narration and interpretation of messages do not lead to misunderstandings,” said Guswanto in an official statement on Friday.

In addition to the public, BMKG has invited the media and content creators to realign titles and captions of circulating information. This aims to ensure the public receives a complete picture of volcanic activity, such as that currently occurring at Mount Anak Krakatau.

The public is reminded to always refer to official BMKG channels for ash distribution information and official PVMBG channels for volcanic activity status. Accuracy in disseminating disaster-related information is key to maintaining public safety and smooth communication flows.