Krakatoa Eruption: Warning Issued for Vessels Traversing the Sunda Strait
The activity status of Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters of the Sunda Strait, which is currently at Level III (Alert), has prompted the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, through the Banten Class I Port Authority and Harbour Master Office (KSOP), to issue an official warning.
Based on Announcement Number PG-KSOP.Btn 14 of 2026, port authorities have requested all ship operators and captains to heighten vigilance amidst the threat of volcanic material ejections and ash dispersal.
The Head of Banten Class I KSOP, Raden Yogie Nugraha, emphasised that all vessels passing through the Sunda Strait area must increase caution regarding potential disruptions to navigational safety caused by the volcanic activity.
The following are the key points of the maritime safety instructions released by the authorities on Sunday (6/9/2026):
Prohibition on Approaching the Crater: All vessels are strictly prohibited from approaching within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater of Mount Anak Krakatau while the Alert status remains in effect.
Captains’ Vigilance: Captains are required to actively monitor official information updates regarding volcanic activity released by PVMBG, BMKG, BPBD, and other authorised agencies.
Route and Weather Planning: Every voyage must be carefully planned, taking into account current weather conditions, the direction of volcanic ash dispersal, and maritime safety bulletins.
Emergency Procedures: If a captain detects indications of danger along the shipping lane, avoidance measures must be taken immediately and reported to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), the nearest Coast Radio Station, or the Harbour Master.
Safety Priority: All shipping organisers are requested to place safety as the highest law, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Regarding the Merak-Bakauheni Ferry Services:
Amidst this increase in alert status, commercial ferry operations on the vital Merak-Bakauheni route are reported to be running normally. Nevertheless, operating fleets are required to maintain high standards of vigilance and comply with the 3-kilometre safe radius restriction from the active crater.
To ensure that the security of sea lanes in the Sunda Strait remains controlled, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, through close coordination between Banten Class I KSOP and Bakauheni Class IV KSOP, continues to conduct 24-hour monitoring of maritime transport flows.