Campuses Affected by Anak Krakatau Eruption Urged to Implement Distance Learning

Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek) Fauzan has urged higher education institutions affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) to begin implementing online or distance learning (PJJ).

Beyond lectures, Fauzan also advised campuses to reduce outdoor activities such as office services and other academic processes.

“Therefore, office service activities, learning, and other academic activities can be carried out online or in a hybrid manner, or through other means deemed more effective in reducing illnesses caused by the eruption dust,” Fauzan said during an online press conference on Sunday (6/9).

He added that his ministry also urged all university leaders in affected areas to establish emergency posts within their respective institutions.

According to Fauzan, universities are also encouraged to maintain coordination with local regional governments.

“We urge all university leaders to mobilise the assistance needed by the community and the academic community, especially assistance related to the eruption incident,” he said.

Furthermore, the ministry also urged campuses to begin mobilising experts to participate in handling the eruption’s impact.

Fauzan said the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology will continue to coordinate with local governments in the further handling process.

“So that what we do can be measured because we always coordinate with stakeholders,” he said.

Mount Anak Krakatau has experienced a significant eruption since Friday night (4/9) until Sunday (6/9), causing several regions such as Lampung, Bengkulu, Banten, West Java, and DKI Jakarta to be affected by volcanic ash.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that based on information from PVMBG and VAAC Darwin and RGB analysis of Himawari-9 satellite imagery, the volcanic ash distribution from Mount Anak Krakatau is divided into two spreads.

The first spread moved towards the northeast-south, covering parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, and West Java as well as surrounding waters.

The second spread moved towards the southwest-northwest, covering parts of Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, the southern Sunda Strait, and the Indian Ocean west of Bengkulu-Lampung-Banten.