Anak Krakatau Volcano Eruption Spreads Ash to Jakarta and Surrounding Areas

Ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread to various areas in Jakarta and its surroundings, with residents experiencing its effects since early morning. According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the volcanic ash has reached parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, and West Java. In several parts of the capital, residents noticed changes in the air quality and found a thin layer of ash adhering to their surroundings. BMKG's monitoring at 4:00 AM WIB indicated two clusters of volcanic ash distribution. The first cluster moved northeast to south, encompassing parts of DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and surrounding waters up to an altitude of 20,000 feet. Meanwhile, the second cluster moved southwest to northwest, reaching altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, covering parts of Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, the southern Sunda Strait, and the Indian Ocean west of these areas. At Bundaran HI, a central Jakarta area, a thin layer of ash was observed on road surfaces at 7:00 AM. Residents participating in the Car Free Day (CFD) activities felt the morning air was different from usual, with some complaining of itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. Doni Setiawan, a resident of North Jakarta, said he began feeling the effects on his way to Bundaran HI. "Yes, it's a bit heavy (breathing). My eyes haven't started yet, it seems to be just in my nose," he said. Another resident, Yusran from Cempaka Putih, also complained of itchy eyes and slightly heavy breathing. Meanwhile, motorcyclists reported their eyes felt more irritated while on the road. The DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency decided to end the Car Free Day (CFD) event on Sudirman-Thamrin earlier than usual, at around 9:00 AM instead of 10:00 AM, due to the volcanic ash spread. Erwansyah, an inspector for HBKB Sudirman-Thamrin, stated that based on Gubernatorial Regulation No. 12, force majeure events allow for evaluation, including stopping or canceling the event. The CFD in the Rasuna Said area was also concluded early. Transportation agency officers and police patrolled the area, distributing masks to citizens still engaged in outdoor activities. Dudi Gardesi, Head of the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency, advised the public to reduce exposure to volcanic ash, particularly urging extra caution for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems. "We understand the public's concerns. The most important step now is to reduce exposure and protect families, especially children, the elderly, and family members with respiratory problems," said Dudi. He recommended using N95 masks or equivalent for those needing to be outdoors, ensuring a tight fit over the nose and mouth. For ash entering homes, residents were advised to clean it with damp cloths or mops to prevent it from becoming airborne again. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is preparing weather modification operations to help mitigate the impact of volcanic ash in Jakarta, Banten, and Lampung. The operation is scheduled to continue into the evening. BNPB Chief Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto stated that the weather modification operation will aim to induce rain to wash down the volcanic ash. If sufficient rain clouds are not available, water misting methods will be used to help disperse the ash particles. Meanwhile, Governor of DKI Jakarta urged residents to remain calm and vigilant. He also advised residents in affected areas to practice '5M': wearing masks, closing doors and windows and water sources, limiting outdoor activities, and cleaning ash by moistening it first.