Ministry asks universities to deploy experts to help tackle eruption impact

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has instructed all universities to immediately mobilise their experts to help handle the impact of the Anak Krakatau eruption on the public.

“We urge university leaders to mobilise experts, including those in health, engineering, environment, disaster management, psychology and other fields, to remain involved and monitor the development of this eruption,” said Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Fauzan during an online press conference on post-eruption education service updates held in Jakarta on Sunday.

The deputy minister stressed that scientific expertise from academics is crucial in monitoring and responding to the volcanic disaster in a measured manner.

In addition to deploying expert teams, the ministry also asked university leaders to mobilise aid urgently needed by the public and the academic community.

Regarding protection for campus communities, he confirmed that so far there have been no reports of casualties or infrastructure damage at universities due to volcanic ash exposure.

Nevertheless, outdoor activities by the academic community must be minimised as much as possible.

“Office services, learning processes and other academic activities can be carried out online or in a hybrid format, or through other methods deemed more effective in reducing illnesses caused by the eruption dust,” he said.

Fauzan specifically reminded universities to play a role in curbing the spread of hoaxes related to the disaster among the public.

He required all members of the academic community to base their analysis and actions on official government sources, through close coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).