Anak Krakatau Eruption: President Prabowo Urges Calm and Vigilance

A significant eruption from Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) has led to the closure of several airports due to volcanic ashfall across a wide area. President Prabowo Subianto has urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing the importance of relying on credible sources from the government and relevant agencies. Through the Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, President Prabowo conveyed his directives. "The President and the Government urge all citizens to remain calm and vigilant while the volcanic ash is still falling," Qodari stated in an online press conference on Sunday (6/9). Qodari assured that the President and the government are continuously monitoring the latest developments from the Anak Krakatau eruption, prioritizing the safety and security of the public. President Prabowo advised the public to follow recommended safety procedures, including wearing masks and protective eyewear when outdoors, closing doors and windows, securing clean water sources, staying hydrated, and washing hands and face after activities. The government is committed to a unified, data-driven, and swift communication strategy, drawing information from institutions such as the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Health. Qodari reiterated the appeal for the public to only refer to official government information and to disregard unverified reports, such as potential tsunamis originating from unofficial sources. The Anak Krakatau volcano experienced substantial eruptions from Friday (4/9) night to Sunday (6/9), impacting several regions, particularly Lampung, Bengkulu, Banten, West Java, and DKI Jakarta, with volcanic ashfall. According to BMKG, the volcanic ash plume divided into two main directions: one moving northeast-south, affecting parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and surrounding waters; the second moving southwest-northwest, impacting parts of Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, the southern Sunda Strait, and the Indian Ocean west of these provinces. Source: CNN Indonesia