DPR Calls for Sanctions Against Schools in Active Volcano Eruption Zones That Fail to Implement Remote Learning

A deputy chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has asked all educational institutions in areas affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and other active volcanoes elsewhere not to force students to study at school.

He urged all educational institutions to implement distance learning (PJJ).

“It was decided yesterday that for Jakarta, all schools from early childhood education (PAUD) through to senior secondary and vocational level will, starting today and tomorrow, carry out distance learning, depending on how the situation develops,” Lalu told reporters at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 7 September 2026.

“Do not force it while Anak Krakatau remains active, nor at the volcanoes that are active today, including those in East Nusa Tenggara,” he continued.

Lalu stressed that the safety of students and teaching staff must be the top priority.

“So the expectation is that the safety and health of all students, teachers and the wider school community become the main priority,” he said.

Beyond Mount Anak Krakatau, Lalu also highlighted the eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) as well as Mount Semeru. He expressed hope that all schools in these eruption zones could implement distance learning.

“So it is not only in areas affected by Anak Krakatau, but also in NTT. And we are still monitoring the situation of Mount Semeru, which was also active recently,” Lalu said.

He urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to reprimand schools that disregard the safety of their students and teachers.

“Yes, of course we are encouraging the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to issue reprimands,” he concluded.

For context, the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) confirmed that the sustained eruption episode of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has ended. The eruptive activity lasted approximately 25 hours.

The head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that the continuous eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau began on Friday, 4 September 2026 at 23.07 WIB and ended on Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 00.04 WIB.

Although the prolonged eruption phase has concluded, the condition of Mount Anak Krakatau is not yet fully safe. The volcano’s activity is now again showing Strombolian eruption characteristics.