Anak Krakatau ash reaches Jakarta as provincial government urges residents not to panic

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau reached Jakarta on Sunday, prompting the provincial government to issue a simple message: stay calm, but remain alert.

Marulitua Sijabat, head of Jakarta’s Regional Disaster Management Agency, said residents should follow official government information. “Most importantly, people do not need to panic. Stay calm, but increase your vigilance and follow official information,” he said.

Marulitua cited data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, which said Anak Krakatau remained at Level III, or Alert. He advised residents to wear masks outdoors, noting that ordinary cloth masks do not filter volcanic ash particles effectively.

Residents should close doors, windows and vents, and turn off fans or air conditioners that draw in outside air if ash affects their surroundings. Officials also urged people to limit outdoor activity, especially babies, children, older people, pregnant women and those with asthma, lung disease or heart disease.

Ash around homes should be dampened before cleaning because sweeping it while dry can send particles back into the air. Residents should cover water and food supplies and avoid consuming anything exposed to ash. Those suffering severe shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent coughing or worsening eye irritation should seek medical help. Emergency conditions in Jakarta can be reported through the Jakarta Siaga service at 112, while residents were urged to rely on updates from official disaster and weather agencies.

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Most importantly, people do not need to panic. Stay calm, but increase your vigilance and follow official information.