House of Representatives Reminds That Basic Needs of Residents Affected by Eruptions Must Be Prioritised

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has the potential to disrupt various community activities in the affected areas. This situation must be anticipated by ensuring that basic needs, healthcare services, and access to aid remain available to the public.

Surahman Hidayat, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that managing the impact of eruptions is not enough through mere monitoring of volcanic activity and early warnings. Public protection must also be a priority, especially for residents whose activities are being disrupted by the eruption’s impact.

“The most important thing is the community. We must ensure that residents already affected by the disaster do not have to face new problems because basic needs, health, or access to aid are not met,” Surahman said in a written statement on Tuesday (8/9/2026).

The impact of the eruption can affect various aspects of community life, ranging from health, economic activity, and children’s education to mobility and the social condition of families. Therefore, needs such as food, clean water, healthcare services, respiratory protection, and the specific needs of vulnerable groups must be part of the management process.

“Do not only count how many areas are hit by volcanic ash. We must also look at how many families have had their activities disrupted, who needs help the most, and what they require to continue living safely,” he expressed.

Special attention is also required for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and communities with limited access to services. These groups are deemed to require greater protection and support during disaster conditions.

In addition to basic needs, Surahman urged for follow-up measures if the impact of the eruption persists for a long period. Aid and assistance to the community, according to him, must be provided sustainably until the residents’ living conditions have fully recovered.

“Aid should not only appear when the situation becomes a matter of public attention. If the impact lasts longer, the state must ensure that the community continues to receive assistance until conditions have truly recovered,” he said.

As a member of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, which oversees social affairs and works with partners in disaster management, Surahman also assessed that coordination between central and regional governments needs to be strengthened. Such coordination is necessary so that affected communities receive proper protection and services.

He also requested that data on affected residents be updated regularly so that the distribution of aid matches the conditions and needs on the ground. In his view, accurate data is vital to ensure that those in need are not overlooked during aid distribution.

“Data on victims and affected communities must serve as the basis for policy-making. We must ensure that aid is not misdirected because data has not been updated. It must be ensured that the people in need receive their rights,” he stated.

He expressed his concern for those affected by the disaster and urged the public to remain calm and follow official information and directions from the government and disaster management officers. The public was also reminded not to spread unverified information to prevent panic.

“Disasters are a test of our care as a nation. Let us stand with the community, help those in need, and ensure our affected brothers and sisters do not feel alone,” he concluded.

As additional information, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau since Friday night, 4 September 2026, has impacted community activities in several regions. The distribution of volcanic ash has led several schools to implement distance learning, while the public has been advised to use masks and reduce outdoor activities. Amidst these conditions, five other volcanoes have been recorded at ‘Alert’ status, meaning disaster vigilance and preparedness must continue to be strengthened.