Anak Krakatau Ash Disrupts Jakarta Residents, Masks Distributed Across 44 Neighborhoods

Jakarta Central Public Order Agency officials distributed 4,000 masks across 44 neighborhoods on Monday as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau began affecting residents who were outdoors.

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Today, we are distributing 4,000 masks to the public. Officials are distributing them throughout Jakarta Central.

The masks were handed out simultaneously across Jakarta Central, especially at busy locations such as the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, markets, railway stations, residential areas and heavily used roads. Purnama Hasudungan, head of the Jakarta Central agency, said the distribution aimed to help people who still needed to remain active outside despite the potential exposure.

Purnama urged residents to stay calm but remain alert. He advised them to wear masks outdoors, follow instructions from officials and monitor Mount Anak Krakatau through official government information channels. Residents were also warned not to trust or circulate unverified reports.

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We urge the public to remain calm, but stay alert to the impact of volcanic ash. Use masks when carrying out activities outside the home and follow officials’ instructions to protect your health.

Some residents had already felt the ash’s effects. Anto Sudrajat, 45, said his eyes and breathing had become irritated. He welcomed the mask distribution, saying it helped reduce exposure while he went about his activities. He said his eyes usually did not hurt when he rode a motorcycle with his helmet visor closed, but the ash had caused some irritation.

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Do not be easily misled by inaccurate information. If you receive information in the community, check it first through the government’s official websites, which are more accurate.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency said it was monitoring the ash’s spread. Satellite analysis on Sunday morning identified ash in areas including Banten, Jakarta, West Java and Bengkulu. Ash at altitudes of up to about 20,000 feet had moved northeast and south, covering parts of Jakarta, Banten, West Java and surrounding waters. The agency said the affected areas could change with wind direction and speed. The shifting ash cloud also temporarily affected aviation, with several airports on Java and Sumatra closed.

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Usually my eyes do not hurt when I ride a motorcycle, because I close the helmet visor. Since the Anak Krakatau ash appeared, they have become a little irritated.