Indonesian Officials Urged to Prepare for Ash from Anak Krakatau Eruption

Indonesia’s home affairs minister has urged local governments to prepare for possible worsening effects from ash released by Mount Anak Krakatau.

Muhammad Tito Karnavian said affected authorities should monitor the situation, prepare responses and adjust public services to local conditions. The ash has spread across parts of Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Lampung and South Sumatra.

Tito said some provincial governments had already instructed districts and municipalities to increase vigilance. At the same time, he urged officials to avoid causing public panic. Residents were advised to protect their respiratory systems and eyes by using masks and eye protection when necessary, while local governments were asked to distribute masks.

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Several regions have indeed already conveyed the provincial-level situation to their respective districts and municipalities to increase vigilance. However, we must avoid public panic.

Transport services under local government control, including road, sea, river and lake transport, should respond to conditions on the ground. If risks increase, officials should act on the basis of official government information. Tito said the situation remained dependent on local conditions and warned that transport must not endanger the public.

Schools may continue indoor classes where conditions allow, while outdoor activities should change as the ash and volcanic activity develop. Tito said authorities hoped the situation would not escalate. He also told people not to approach Anak Krakatau within three kilometers of the crater and urged them to follow information from Indonesia’s meteorological agency, disaster management agency and other relevant authorities.

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We hope there will be no escalation, meaning that the situation does not worsen.