Mount Anak Krakatau on Alert: Ships Prohibited from Approaching Within 3km
The Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Hubla) of the Ministry of Transportation has prohibited ships from approaching within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait waters. The ban is in effect while the volcano’s status remains at Level III (Alert).
The Head of the Banten Class I Port Authority and Harbormaster (KSOP), Raden Yogie Nugraha, stated that all vessels passing through the Sunda Strait waters are requested to increase vigilance regarding potential volcanic activity from Mount Anak Krakatau.
“Ships are prohibited from approaching the area within a 3 (three) kilometre radius of the active crater of Mount Anak Krakatau as long as the Level III (Alert) status remains in effect,” Yogie said in an official statement on Sunday (6/9).
He also urged masters of vessels to monitor official information regarding Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity published by the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), BMKG, local BPBD, and relevant government agencies.
Captains are also requested to plan their voyages by considering weather conditions, the direction of volcanic ash dispersal, and maritime safety information from the authorised agencies.
“If indications of danger that could disrupt maritime safety are found, Masters should immediately take necessary avoidance actions and report them to the Vessel Traffic Service (VKS), Coast Radio Station, the nearest Harbour Master, or relevant agencies,” he added.
Despite the radius restriction, Ditjen Hubla ensured that ferry services on the Merak-Bakauheni route and vice versa are still operating normally.
“Currently, ferry services on the Merak-Bakauheni route and vice versa are still running normally, while continuing to prioritise vigilance and maritime safety,” said Yogie.
Ditjen Hubla, through the Banten Class I KSOP and Bakauheni Class IV KSOP, continues to coordinate and monitor shipping conditions in the Sunda Strait waters to ensure that safety, security, and the smooth flow of navigation are maintained.