Indonesia Urges Universities to Shift to Remote Learning Amid Volcanic Ash

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has urged universities in areas affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau to implement distance learning. The measure is part of the government’s mitigation efforts to protect students, lecturers and education staff while ensuring that academic activities continue.

Based on the press release received by RRI VOI in Jakarta, 7 September 2026, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said the safety of the academic community remains the government’s top priority in managing higher education during the emergency situation. He emphasized that universities need flexibility to adjust learning methods when environmental conditions do not allow face-to-face academic activities.

“The safety of students, lecturers and all education personnel is our priority,” Brian said. “In conditions affected by volcanic ash such as these, distance learning is one mitigation option to keep academic activities running without requiring the academic community to conduct activities outdoors.”

The ministry’s Directorate General of Higher Education has issued a circular urging public and private universities in Lampung, Jakarta, West Java and Banten to implement distance learning and work-from-home policies. The policy follows the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which began at 11.07 p.m. local time on Friday, 4 September, and the spread of volcanic ash across several areas.

The Director General of Higher Education Khairul Munadi said distance learning should not be interpreted as a suspension of university activities, but rather as an adaptation to emergency conditions. “We want to ensure that two things happen simultaneously: the safety of the academic community is maintained, and students’ right to receive education is fulfilled,” he said.

Universities in affected areas, particularly Jakarta, Banten and Lampung, have been given flexibility to shift face-to-face lectures entirely to online learning. Students can therefore attend classes from home and reduce outdoor activities that could increase their exposure to volcanic ash.

The ministry has also allowed universities to implement work-from-home arrangements for lecturers and education staff whose duties can be performed remotely. Universities are expected to maintain essential academic and administrative services while ensuring that information on schedules, learning methods and campus conditions is communicated clearly through official channels.

Kemdiktisaintek has called on universities to continue monitoring developments through official information from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities. Universities in affected areas are also encouraged to establish first aid stations according to their capacity, while the ministry will continue coordinating with universities and relevant government agencies to adjust education policies based on developments and health and disaster-management recommendations.