Tangerang schools from kindergarten to junior high switch to remote learning amid volcanic ash

The Tangerang Regency Government in Banten Province has moved swiftly in response to the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau on Sunday (6/9), requiring all educational institutions from kindergarten through primary to junior high school to implement distance learning (PJJ).

“Following up on the increased activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, which has the potential to spread volcanic ash across the Tangerang Regency area, all schools at the kindergarten, primary, and junior high levels are to carry out distance learning,” said Tangerang Deputy Regent Intan Nurul Hikmah in Tangerang on Monday.

She said the policy is set out in circular letter Number: 400.3.5/3759/IX/Disdik/2026 concerning an appeal for the safety of school communities in the Tangerang Regency area.

The distance learning requirement for both state and private schools in the region applies from 7–9 September 2026.

She explained that the decision was made to protect the health and safety of students and teaching staff from the harmful effects of volcanic ash.

“All school communities are urged to always wear masks, both when travelling to and from school and when engaging in outdoor activities. Schools are asked to maintain the cleanliness of their environment, yards, and drains on a regular basis. The regency government also reminds that areas exposed to ash should be dampened before cleaning so that the ash does not become airborne,” she explained.

Her office also asked schools to monitor official information from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and to coordinate immediately with the Education Office should an emergency occur within the school environment.

The Tangerang Regency Government urged parents to ensure their children remain at home during the distance learning period and comply with health protocols for the safety of all.