Krakatau Eruption Forces Flight Cancellations, Police Step Up Airport Security
The Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police have stepped up security and situation monitoring following the cancellation of a number of flights due to the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta).
Chief of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, Commissioner Wisnu Wardana, said the heightened readiness was carried out to ensure the security, safety and comfort of the public within the Soetta airport environment.
“We are increasing personnel readiness as an anticipatory measure against the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. Our priority is to ensure that security, safety and public services continue to run well,” said Wisnu in a statement on Sunday (6/9).
In addition to carrying out security and situation monitoring in the airport area, police officers are also providing services to passengers affected by the flight cancellations.
This includes distributing masks, carrying out health checks, and providing food and drink for passengers still at the airport.
“We understand that flight cancellations certainly have an impact on the public. Therefore, our personnel are present to help, provide services, and ensure that passengers continue to receive attention while awaiting further information,” said Wisnu.
Meanwhile, Wisnu also urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by information whose veracity cannot yet be confirmed.
He also asked the public to follow the instructions of officers in the field and to obtain flight information through the airlines or official channels.
“We urge the public to remain calm, follow the instructions of officers in the field, and obtain flight information through the airlines and official channels. Public safety is our top priority,” he said.
Furthermore, Wisnu said the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, together with relevant stakeholders, would continue monitoring, security, services and coordination to anticipate developments in the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption on flight activity at Soetta Airport.
It is known that the operations of eight airports remained closed due to volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption on Sunday (6/9) morning, including Soetta Airport.
As a result of the closures, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi previously stated that three alternative airports had been prepared for the landing of affected airlines.
The three alternative airports prepared are Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, West Java; Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, Central Java; and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, East Java.