Environment Ministry Checks Air Quality After Anak Krakatau Eruption

Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has checked air quality across Banten, Jakarta, West Java and Lampung after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau spread on Sunday.

The ministry said air quality in Banten, Jakarta and West Java generally ranged from good to moderate. Moderate readings included Serang Sumurpecung at 85 on the air pollution index, South Tangerang Serpong at 78, Tangerang Pasir Jaya at 65 and Cilegon Pulomerak at 63. Jakarta’s GBK recorded 64, while Bogor’s Leuwiliang area recorded 83. Bekasi’s Sukamahi was in the good category at 39.

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The Environment Ministry or BPLH deployed technical teams to monitor ambient air quality, PM2.5 and PM10, sulfur dioxide concentrations, as well as seawater quality along the coasts of Banten and Lampung.

Readings were higher in parts of southern Sumatra, where PM2.5 was the dominant critical pollutant. Unhealthy levels were recorded in Lahat at 112, Musi Rawas at 165, Prabumulih at 139, Musi Banyuasin’s Serasan Jaya at 128, Tebo at 169, Jambi’s Paal Lima at 166 and Tanjung Jabung Timur’s Muara Sabak at 114. Moderate readings were recorded in Muara Enim, Bengkulu’s Singaran Pati and Bandar Lampung’s Talang. South Lampung’s Way Urang recorded a good reading of 30.

Noer Adi Wardoyo, acting deputy for pollution and environmental damage control, said technical teams were monitoring ambient air, PM2.5, PM10 and sulfur dioxide, as well as seawater along the coasts of Banten and Lampung. “We are also examining the direct relationship between the increase in particulate matter and the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which requires further technical study,” he said. The ministry is coordinating with weather, geological, disaster-management and health authorities. It urged residents to follow official information and advised children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems to use masks outdoors when necessary.

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We are also examining the direct relationship between the increase in particulate matter and the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which requires further technical study.