Indonesia Adjusts School Learning amid Anak Krakatau Eruption

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has called on schools to remain calm and prioritize the safety and health of students and teachers amid the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Learning activities may be adjusted according to local conditions and developments, with decisions guided by local governments as authorities familiar with conditions on the ground.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said the safety of students and teachers must be the main consideration in determining whether learning activities can continue at schools. “The protection, safety, and health of school communities are our priority,” Abdul Mu’ti said on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Schools in areas significantly affected by the eruption may adjust learning activities based on the Air Pollution Standard Index, or ISPU. Abdul Mu’ti said areas experiencing severe conditions, including Serang Regency in Banten Province and South Lampung Regency in Lampung Province, may implement distance learning from home or other safe locations.

“In areas affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, learning activities can be adjusted by referring to the ISPU,” Abdul Mu’ti said. He explained that where conditions are considered severe, learning does not necessarily have to take place physically at school and can instead be conducted through online distance learning.

Meanwhile, schools in areas not directly affected by the eruption may continue face-to-face learning while implementing strict health protocols. Students and teachers are advised to wear masks, avoid outdoor activities, keep doors and windows closed to prevent volcanic ash from entering classrooms, and prioritize safe learning activities.

The duration and schedule of lessons may also be adjusted depending on local conditions. “The duration and learning hours can be adjusted and do not have to be carried out in full as they would under normal learning conditions,” Abdul Mu’ti said.

Abdul Mu’ti also encouraged schools to use learning activities to strengthen students’ awareness of disaster preparedness, personal safety and health. He said decisions on distance learning, including when it begins, remain under the authority of local governments, while the ministry continues to monitor the evolving situation through the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said the government continues to coordinate with BMKG and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to monitor the eruption and reduce its impact on communities. He urged school communities and the public to follow official information, reduce outdoor activities if volcanic ash spreads, and remain alert to possible ash contamination of food and water sources.