Krakatau Volcano Ash Reaches Jakarta, Authorities Urge Calm

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has been detected over Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta. The Jakarta provincial government is urging residents to remain calm and avoid panic. Marulitua Sijabat, head of the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), advised residents to be vigilant while emphasizing the importance of composure. "The most important thing is for the public not to panic. Stay calm, but increase your vigilance and follow official information from the government," he stated in a release on Sunday (6/9). According to Sijabat, data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) indicates that Mount Anak Krakatau's alert level remains at "Caution" (Level III). Nevertheless, he outlined several steps residents in Jakarta can take to cope with the volcanic ashfall that has begun to cover the capital. First, it is recommended to wear a mask when engaging in outdoor activities. Standard cloth masks are less effective at filtering volcanic ash particles, so more protective masks are advised. Second, residents should close doors, windows, and ventilation openings at home. If the air quality around their homes is affected by ash, they are also advised to turn off fans or air conditioners that draw air from outside. Activities outside the home should be reduced, particularly for infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, lung disease, or heart conditions. For ash accumulation around homes, residents are instructed to moisten it before cleaning. Sweeping dry ash can cause particles to become airborne again and be inhaled. Furthermore, water and food storage containers should be covered, and any water or food exposed to volcanic ash should not be consumed. Individuals experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent coughing, or worsening eye irritation are urged to seek immediate medical attention at a health facility. For reporting emergencies within DKI Jakarta, the public is directed to contact the Jakarta Siaga service at 112. Sijabat also strongly warned the public against believing or spreading unverified information. Updates on Mount Anak Krakatau's activity and air conditions can be monitored through official channels from PVMBG, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), BPBD, and the Jakarta provincial government.