Prabowo monitors Anak Krakatau eruption and volcanic ash dispersal

The President and the government are carefully monitoring the development of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity and any potential impacts.

The Head of the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto and the government are continuously tracking the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and its consequences, including the dispersal of volcanic ash in the surrounding areas.

“The President and the government are closely monitoring the development of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity and every potential impact,” Qodari stated during a press conference providing the latest situation update following the eruption, which was monitored online from Jakarta on Sunday.

He noted that relevant agencies, such as the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESBM), the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), are continuously updating information regarding the current conditions.

According to Qodari, mitigation steps have been implemented, including adjustments to transport activities as part of the efforts to anticipate the impact of the eruption.

“The safety and security of the public are the top priorities for the President and the government,” he said.

Regarding the situation, Qodari urged the public to remain calm and vigilant while volcanic ash rain continues to occur. Residents are also advised to close windows and glass panes to prevent volcanic ash from entering indoor spaces.

Furthermore, citizens in affected areas are advised to ensure a supply of clean water and to wash their faces after returning from outdoors.

Previously, the government decided to temporarily close four airports in Banten, Jakarta, and Lampung due to the dispersal of volcanic ash in the airspace. The four airports included Soekarno-Hatta Airport, which was closed from 02:08 to 09:30 WIB; Halim Perdanakusuma Airport from 07:20 to 10:00 WIB; Radin Inten II Lampung Airport from 04:18 to 10:00 WIB; and Budiarto Curug Airport from 06:48 to 09:30 WIB.