Distance Learning Ends, Pramono: Schools to Return to Normal Tomorrow

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that teaching and learning processes and school activities will return to normal starting Wednesday (9/9), as the situation following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau is deemed to have significantly improved.

Previously, the Jakarta Government had implemented Distance Learning (PJJ) due to the impact of volcanic ash dispersal.

“Regarding distance learning, schools will return to normal tomorrow. I have already requested the Head of the Education Office to immediately issue a Circular Letter,” said Pramono after attending the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) anniversary at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

According to Pramono, one of the reasons schools are returning to normal is that flights to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport can now be conducted. “There are various reasons, one of which is that flight operations serve as a parameter; they are now running normally,” Pramono explained.

Pramono also revealed that the Jakarta Government has deployed Cessna Caravan aircraft for five sorties as part of a weather modification operation (OMC). However, he noted that current cloud conditions are insufficient. He expressed hope that there would still be an opportunity on Tuesday afternoon to conduct OMC to induce rain as a measure to mitigate volcanic ash and drought.

“Hopefully, this afternoon there is still time and space for rain to fall. It is not easy; if asked whether rain is due to OMC or God, well, it is certainly due to God,” Pramono remarked.

Nevertheless, the administration continues these efforts as a precautionary measure. He hopes the OMC efforts will yield results with rainfall occurring overnight.

Previously, Pramono had decided to extend distance learning for educational units in Jakarta until Tuesday (8/9) as an anticipatory measure against potential exposure to volcanic ash. On Monday (7/9), the Jakarta Government had also implemented distance learning. This policy was outlined in the Jakarta Provincial Education Office Circular Letter Number 91/SE/2026 regarding Increased Vigilance against Volcanic Ash, issued on 5 September 2026.

In the circular, the Jakarta Education Office noted that volcanic ash consists of very small particles produced during volcanic eruptions, comprising rock fragments, minerals, and other volcanic materials that can be carried by the wind, inhaled, and pose health risks.

Consequently, the Jakarta Education Office implemented distance learning for early childhood education (PAUD), community learning centres (SKB/PKBM), special education schools (SLB), as well as public and private primary, junior, and senior high schools across Jakarta.

In addition to implementing distance learning, school heads were requested to provide guidance and monitoring of the learning process and to offer alternatives should any obstacles arise.

The Jakarta Education Office explained that these steps were taken to protect school members from potential volcanic ash exposure while ensuring the safety and health of the school community, including vulnerable groups.