Ministry Strengthens Air Quality Monitoring Following Anak Krakatau Eruption

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - The Indonesian Ministry of Health continues to strengthen air quality monitoring following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and the spread of volcanic ash affecting several regions. Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono personally monitored air quality at several locations within Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, using a particulate counter to measure particulate concentrations, specifically PM2.5.

Monitoring results indicated that PM2.5 concentrations in several outdoor areas remained above safe limits. At the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Damri Terminal, for instance, measurements showed a PM2.5 level of 63 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), far exceeding the established safe limit of 25 µg/m³.

Dante emphasized that flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta Airport have indeed resumed based on the results of paper -based tests, but air quality aspects from a public health perspective still need to be taken seriously. "Airport authorities might use paper tests for flight safety, but it turns out that particulate matter levels affecting health remain high," he stated.

He explained that measurements using a particulate counter are crucial for determining the concentration of microscopic particles that impact health but are not always visible to the naked eye. "For health purposes, we focus on the 2.5-micron range. Even if larger particles appear to be decreasing, the PM2.5 levels remain high," he clarified.

Based on Ministry of Health monitoring conducted on September 8, 2026, through the Center for Health Quarantine (BBKK) and Health Quarantine Centers (BKK), several locations at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and surrounding areas continued to show PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations above safe thresholds. Volcanic ash contains particulates of various sizes; fine particles such as PM2.5 can be inhaled deep into the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of health issues, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that, as of September 6, 2026, there were 16,759 cumulative cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in areas affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, spanning four provinces and 23 regencies/cities. Of these, 3,771 cases involved children aged 0–5 years, while 12,988 cases involved individuals over the age of five. Dante revealed that the number of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in 2026 was higher than during the same period in 2025.

In response to this situation, Prof. Dante urged people who still have to engage in outdoor activities, especially in areas with high particulate concentrations, to continue wearing masks. "I urge people conducting outdoor activities to keep wearing masks because PM2.5 levels remain above normal," he said. He added that although airports have resumed operations, the health impact of particulate dispersion persists, necessitating continued public vigilance.

The Ministry of Health also advised the public to minimize exposure to volcanic ash by limiting outdoor activities until air quality improves, wearing masks, and seeking immediate medical attention at a health facility if respiratory symptoms arise. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with comorbidities are asked to limit outdoor activities. The Ministry stated that it would continue to monitor air quality and the evolving health impacts of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption as part of its efforts to protect public health.