Mount Anak Krakatau Ash Still Spreading, Government Prepares Artificial Rain

The government has another way of dealing with the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK), which is still disrupting people’s activities and aviation.

Weather modification technology (TMC) is being prepared to bring rain so that the volcanic ash can quickly settle. The weather modification operation was being prepared by the government from Monday, 7 September until Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

However, TMC aircraft cannot be flown from Pondok Cabe or Halim Perdanakusuma airports because both flight routes are still affected by the spread of volcanic ash.

Head of BNPB Suharyanto said the government is ultimately relying on airports that can still be used to carry out the operation. Kertajati Airport in Majalengka is one option, while TMC aircraft from Kalimantan will also be relocated to Semarang.

“Today, hopefully we can. Because Kertajati in Majalengka has reopened. So we may operate from there. And if Kertajati is still disrupted, so that rain falls quickly, flights are not disrupted and weather conditions improve, we are also moving TMC aircraft from Kalimantan into Semarang,” he said on Monday, 7 September 2026.

According to Suharyanto, the eruption activity of Mount Anak Krakatau has now decreased. The problem is that the volcanic ash that has already spread still lingered as of Monday morning.

Therefore, rain is one of the methods the government is pursuing to help clean up or settle the ash. This step is also expected to help improve weather conditions affecting aviation.

Head of BMKG Faisal Fathani explained that TMC does not merely rely on natural rain. Certain materials will be used to help the process of settling the volcanic ash.

In the initial stage, water and surfactants will be used as a solution to help settle the ash. When clouds begin to form, the material used will be replaced with hygroscopic spray materials that function to activate the clouds.

“Then, once clouds have grown, we change the material. It becomes water, but mixed with hygroscopic spray material. It will activate the clouds. So hopefully within the next one to two days, we can resolve the volcanic dust problem,” said Faisal.

Faisal said the effort will be effective in helping to settle the volcanic ash, provided that eruption activity does not increase again.