DKI says water mist operations reduce spread of volcanic ash
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Provincial Government has stated that water mist operations and street spraying across various areas show indications of improvement in the distribution of particulates, including PM10, partly originating from volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Monitoring on 6–7 September 2026 showed that the high PM10 distribution, previously widespread across Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, and South Jakarta, became more limited after the spraying.
“Areas with high values on the post-spraying map were mainly identified in eastern Cilincing and southeastern Cipayung,” said Head of the Jakarta Environment Agency, Dudi Gardesi, in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday.
Dudi explained that the wetting targeted ash that had already settled on roads and other surfaces. When the ash remains dry, wind and vehicle movement can lift it back into the air.
Dampening the deposits helps suppress this process and makes clean-up easier, as recommended in the volcanic ash handling guidelines published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
PM10 refers to very small airborne particles that can be inhaled.
“The narrowing of the high PM10 distribution is a welcome development. This data also helps us identify areas that still need attention, so that subsequent handling can be better targeted,” said Dudi.
Meanwhile, regarding PM2.5, monitoring reports showed a reduction in the spread of high-value areas in parts of North Jakarta and East Jakarta. A number of areas, particularly Kembangan and Kebon Jeruk, still require attention.
These findings serve as the basis for sharpening priorities for monitoring and follow-up measures.
According to Dudi, the evaluation needs to take into account wind, rain, and other pollution sources in order to assess the extent of the spraying’s influence on changes in air quality.
“We will use the monitoring results to determine locations that need to be prioritised, while openly communicating developments in air conditions. That way, residents know what the government is doing and the steps they need to take to protect their families,” he explained.
Previously, the Jakarta Provincial Government deployed dozens of fire engines, water tanker trucks, and mobile water mist units through cooperation between the Fire and Rescue Agency, the Environment Agency, and the Parks and Urban Forest Agency.
The Jakarta Provincial Government urges residents to remain calm and vigilant, wear masks when active outdoors, and limit outdoor activities if their surroundings are affected by ash.
Ash deposits should be dampened before being cleaned up. Residents can monitor air quality through udara.jakarta.go.id and follow official updates from the Environment Agency (DLH), the Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).