Bandung Barat monitors air quality around the clock after Mount Anak Krakatau ash reaches region

Bandung Barat’s environmental agency is monitoring air quality in real time after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau reached the Indonesian regency.

The agency is using an Air Quality Monitoring System station at the Bandung Barat regency government office complex. It tracks PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons.

Agency official Gentarez Wara Naingolan said the readings showed a rise in pollution, but overall air quality remained in the good category on Monday, September 7, 2026. Data recorded by 11 a.m. put PM2.5 concentrations at about 40 micrograms per cubic meter.

Residents in several parts of Bandung Barat reported dust collecting in yards and on other surfaces. Officials said the dust appeared light brown to gray and seemed different from dust normally linked to vehicle traffic or roads.

“Today’s data does show a rise, which is still in the good category, but it remains under monitoring. We are anticipating any significant change in the air-quality level,” Naingolan said.

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Today’s data does show a rise, which is still in the good category, but it remains under monitoring. We are anticipating any significant change in the air-quality level.