PVMBG: Anak Krakatau activity declines, eruption potential remains

The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has stated that volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau is currently showing a decline, but the potential for subsequent eruptions is confirmed to remain.

PVMBG Head Rita Susilawati, in Serang on Sunday, said that although monitoring equipment has recorded a downward trend, this does not indicate that activity at the volcano in the Sunda Strait waters has completely ceased.

“Indeed, at present our monitoring equipment is recording a decline in activity at Mount Anak Krakatau, but that decline does not mean the activity will stop. The possibility of an eruption still remains,” she said after inspecting the Anak Krakatau Volcano Observation Post in Serang Regency.

To anticipate the potential danger, PVMBG continues to conduct strict monitoring around the clock. Rita assured that all observation results will always be communicated to the local regional government, particularly if there are changes to disaster management recommendations.

“We are monitoring here with several observation stations, working together with BMKG and there is also a station in Australia that allows us to jointly monitor changes in wind direction for the ash, because the ash will also affect aviation,” she said.

This step is considered crucial for providing early warning to ensure the safety of flight routes or aviation. Currently, Mount Anak Krakatau remains at Level III (Siaga). Rita emphasised that this alert status is not measured solely by the size of the eruption, but by the level of danger it poses to communities in the surrounding area.

Given that continuous eruptions can threaten residents and fishermen, PVMBG recommends a ban on activities within a three-kilometre radius of the crater centre.

“We cannot know exactly when the eruption will occur. What we can do is monitor and read the signs,” Rita concluded.