Will Schools Implement Distance Learning Due to Anak Krakatau Ash? Here's What Bakom RI Says

Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Qodari, responded to the possibility of implementing distance learning (PJJ) for students affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in Jakarta and surrounding areas. Qodari mentioned the option of implementing PJJ.

“But I can say here that based on experience in other places, for example forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, education-related measures have been based on pollution levels, the pollution indicators occurring at each respective location,” said Qodari during an online press conference on Sunday (6/9/2026).

Qodari said that if the pollution occurring is classified as dangerous, authority is given to regional governments to regulate student learning. He also spoke about the potential for PJJ following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

“And if it indeed meets or reaches the criteria that are already dangerous, then room or space is given to the relevant regional government to conduct distance education or online learning,” said Qodari.

“God willing, we from the Communication Agency are preparing the next press conference related to the question that was just raised, which is directed to the Ministry of Education. We will also coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs to obtain updates from each region, both provinces and regencies/cities affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau,” he continued.

For information, the Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lana Saria, said that volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread to five provinces. The five provinces are Banten, parts of West Java, DKI Jakarta, Lampung, and Bengkulu.

“And based on combined information from the eruption and VONA (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation) from PVMBG through Magma Indonesia, information from VAAC (Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre) Darwin as well as analysis of Himawari-9 satellite imagery by BMKG, the volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has been observed spreading in the atmosphere towards Banten, parts of West Java, and also DKI Jakarta, as well as Lampung and Bengkulu,” said Lana during today’s press conference.

She said the direction of the ash spread from Mount Anak Krakatau could change. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has urged the public to remain indoors for the time being.

“The direction and range of the ash spread can change depending on the direction and speed of the ash fall. Therefore, as I mentioned earlier, the public is advised not to engage in outdoor activities and to follow official information from the government,” she said.