Anak Krakatau Volcano Ash Reaches Jakarta, Residents Urged to Wear Masks

Volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau volcano eruption has reached parts of Jakarta on Sunday (6/9/2026). The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that based on monitoring by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin, and analysis of Himawari-9 satellite imagery on September 6, 2026, at 05:00 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), two clusters of volcanic ash distribution from the Anak Krakatau volcano were identified. "Based on information from PVMBG and VAAC Darwin, as well as RGB Himawari-9 satellite imagery analysis on September 6, 2026, at 05:00 WIB, two clusters of volcanic ash distribution from the Anak Krakatau volcano have been identified," BMKG wrote in its statement. The first cluster was observed from the surface up to an altitude of 20,000 feet. Its spread moved towards the northeast to the south, covering parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and the surrounding waters. "Covering parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, and West Java, as well as the surrounding waters," BMKG wrote. Meanwhile, Rita Susilawati, Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), when contacted by the Liputan6.com Regional team on Sunday (6/9/2026), said that residents need to be aware of the volcanic ash distribution from the Anak Krakatau volcano. Volcanic ash contains fine particles that can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughs, sore throats, shortness of breath, and potentially worsen asthma or lung diseases. "The public affected by the ashfall is urged to reduce outdoor activities and wear a tightly fitting mask, especially N95, KN95, or equivalent," she said. If these masks are not available, Rita said, the public can use surgical masks. "Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses need to be more careful. Seek immediate medical help if experiencing severe shortness of breath or chest pain," she said. Intensity of Eruption Regarding the intensity of the Anak Krakatau volcano eruption, Rita explained that the continuous eruption in the form of a lava fountain, which had been ongoing since Friday at 23:00 WIB, has stopped. "Alhamdulillah, on the 6th at 00:04 (it has stopped). This continuous eruption lasted for about 32 hours," she said. However, there was one more eruption around 03:00 this morning, but it was not continuous. "What needs to be watched out for now is indeed related to volcanic ash, especially for aviation," she said. PVMBG cannot confirm whether the Anak Krakatau volcano eruption has subsided or not. According to their evaluation, Rita said, the strombolian eruption at 03:53 this morning could be a pause from the continuous eruption. "There is still a possibility that a continuous lava fountain eruption will occur again. Therefore, monitoring is continuously being carried out," she said. Source: Liputan6