Local Govts Urged to Strengthen Public Protection from Anak Krakatau Eruption

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said provincial governments in areas affected by the Anak Krakatau eruption have issued five directives to district and municipal governments to strengthen public protection. The directives include anticipating the spread of volcanic ash, increasing public vigilance, and preventing panic.

He explained that local governments need to ensure public safety from the impacts of volcanic ash based on conditions in their respective areas. They have also been urged to maintain coordination and adjust their response measures according to the latest developments.

“Some regions have already conveyed directives at the provincial level to their respective district and municipal governments to increase vigilance. Of course, we must avoid public panic and make sure that people do not panic,” Tito said during a press conference held by the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI) on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

One of the directives is to distribute masks, particularly in areas affected by volcanic ash. District and municipal governments have also been urged to promote the use of masks and eye protection to protect the respiratory system and eyes from exposure to volcanic ash, in line with recommendations from the Ministry of Health.

In addition, local governments and residents have been advised to reduce outdoor activities when volcanic ash concentrations increase. Local governments may adjust school activities and other outdoor activities, including extracurricular programs, based on conditions in their respective areas.

Local governments have also been instructed to prohibit activities within a three-kilometer radius of the active crater of Anak Krakatau, although ferry transportation services continue to operate. At the same time, they have been urged to conduct 24-hour monitoring and follow developments through official information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), and other relevant authorities.

“Once again, we will continue to monitor the situation and rely on official sources of information, while each local government will continue to respond based on information from those official sources,” he said.