Education Minister Asks Regions Affected by Anak Krakatau Eruption to Implement Distance Learning

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has recommended distance learning (PJJ) for schools in areas affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

“So, areas that are indeed unsafe are strongly advised not to conduct face-to-face learning at school,” Mu’ti said in an online press conference on Sunday (6/9).

However, he urged that the process still follow regulations officially issued by the affected regional governments.

He said his ministry cannot determine which areas are directly affected by the eruption. To date, BNPB data indicates that volcanic ash is still moving dynamically according to wind direction.

Nevertheless, Mu’ti said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education makes the safety of students and educators a priority. Therefore, if an area is deemed dangerous, learning must not be conducted in person.

First, no outdoor activities such as sports should be held. Second, indoor activities must be carried out strictly so that dust does not enter.

“If, for example, the authorities still deem it possible, it must still be carried out with the existing health protocols,” he said.

Mount Anak Krakatau has been experiencing a significant eruption since Friday (4/9) evening until Sunday (6/9), causing a number of areas, especially in 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 the results of RGB analysis of Himawari-9 imagery, the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau is divided into two spreads.

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

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