Anak Krakatau Volcano Eruption, Government Implements Distance Learning

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has asked schools affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau to switch to distance learning. The policy was announced by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as part of efforts to protect the health of students and teachers from volcanic ash that has been spreading since Saturday, September 5, 2026.

The distance learning scheme applies to areas with high levels of ash exposure, including the city of Serang in Banten Province and the city of Bandar Lampung in Lampung Province. Regions still considered safe from the ash are nonetheless required to enforce strict health protocols to prevent the situation from worsening.

In a briefing held online together with Indonesia's Government Communication Agency, Abdul Mu'ti said Jakarta would also begin online learning starting Monday, September 7, 2026, and that all schools must follow the rules set by their respective local governments. "Learning in Jakarta will be held online starting tomorrow, so everyone must follow the local government's regulations," he said.

Separately, Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah reported that her region was affected by volcanic ash in seven districts, namely Anyer, Cinangka, Baros, Pabuaran, Padarincang, Ciomas, and Mancak. She said the online learning policy was taken as a precautionary step to reduce the risk of health problems among students and teachers.

The Serang Regency government, she added, would soon issue an official circular for schools in those seven districts to give the policy a clear legal basis as well as flexibility. "So it is likely these seven districts will be the first to receive a circular for online learning," she said.

The spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has reportedly reached six provinces across Java and Sumatra. A number of residents in the affected areas reported experiencing shortness of breath and eye irritation, while most flights to and from the affected regions were forced to be cancelled for safety reasons.