Jakarta Ends Remote Learning as Krakatau Ash Impact Eases
Jakarta Ends Remote Learning as Krakatau Ash Impact Eases
Reporter
September 8, 2026 | 07:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that school activities and classroom learning across the capital will return to normal starting Wednesday, September 9, as conditions following Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption have improved.
The Jakarta Provincial Government had previously imposed Distance Learning (PJJ) in response to volcanic ash generated by the eruption.
“Regarding distance learning, schools will resume normal operations tomorrow. I have already asked the Head of the Education Agency to issue a circular immediately,” Pramono said after attending the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) anniversary at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
According to him, one of the reasons behind the decision to resume in-person schooling include the restoration of normal flight operations to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
“There are various reasons, one of which is that flights themselves serve as a parameter, and they are now operating normally,” Pramono explained.
Pramono also noted that the provincial administration deployed five Cessna Caravan aircraft to conduct weather modification operations (OMC). However, he acknowledged that present cloud cover remains limited. He expressed hope that favorable conditions on Tuesday afternoon would still allow weather modification efforts to induce rainfall as a measure to mitigate volcanic ash and drought.
“Hopefully, there is still an opportunity for rain to fall this afternoon. It is no easy task. If asked whether any rainfall is the result of OMC or God’s will, it is definitely by God’s will,” Pramono added.
Nevertheless, authorities continue to execute the operation as a precautionary measure. He remained hopeful that cloud-seeding efforts would yield rain by Tuesday evening.
Pramono had earlier decided to extend online learning across Jakarta’s educational institutions through Tuesday, September 8, to safeguard students against potential volcanic ash exposure.
Distance learning was also maintained on Monday, September 7. The policy was formalized through Circular Letter No. 91/SE/2026 on Heightened Vigilance Against Volcanic Ash, issued by the Jakarta Provincial Education Agency on September 5, 2026.
The circular noted that volcanic ash consists of fine particulate matter, including rock fragments, minerals, and volcanic materials, that can be dispersed by wind and inhaled, posing distinct health risks.
Therefore, the agency enforced distance learning across public and private educational facilities, including early childhood education (PAUD), community learning centers (PKBM/SKB), special education schools (SLB), elementary, junior high, senior high, and vocational high schools (SMK).
In addition to implementing remote learning, heads of educational units were requested to supervise and monitor the learning process while offering alternative solutions if challenges arose.
The Jakarta Education Agency explained that these measures were taken to protect the school community from potential volcanic ash exposure while ensuring health and safety, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Read: Soekarno-Hatta Airport Resumes Flights as Anak Krakatau Ash Clears
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