Volcanic Ash and Wildfires Degrade Air Quality in South Sumatra
- 07 Sep 2026 08:30 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- Air quality in parts of Southern Sumatra has reached very unhealthy levels, amid the combined impact of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau and smoke from forest and land fires.
- KLH/BPLH is intensifying air-quality monitoring using the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) and Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU).
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Air quality in southern Sumatra has surged to very unhealthy levels due to a dual threat from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and forest fire. The combination of volcanic ash dispersion and smoke from forest and land fires has compelled the Ministry of Environment (KLH) to optimize strict monitoring in several affected regencies and cities.
Acting Deputy for Pollution Control and Environmental Damage at the Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Noer Adi Wardoyo, conveyed that air quality monitoring continues to be optimized through the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) and the Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU) system.
“KLH/BPLH has deployed technical teams to monitor ambient air quality (PM2.5, PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas concentrations, as well as seawater quality along the coasts of Banten and Lampung,” he said in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Preliminary monitoring results on September 6, 2026, until 2 p.m. Jakarta time recorded air quality in several areas of Southern Sumatra in the very unhealthy category. This condition was detected via monitoring stations in Palembang Bukit Kecil, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir Regency, and Ogan Ilir Regency.
Meanwhile, areas falling into the unhealthy category include Lahat Regency, Musi Rawas Regency, Prabumulih City, Musi Banyuasin Regency Serasan Jaya, Tebo Regency, Jambi Paal Lima, and Tanjabtim Regency Muara Sabak. For the moderate air quality category in Sumatra, the areas are Muara Enim Regency, Bengkulu Singaran Pati, and Bandar Lampung Talang.
Moderate air quality in Java was recorded at several key monitoring points. These areas include Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadion, Serang Sumurpecung, Tangerang Pasir Jaya, South Tangerang Serpong; Cilegon Pulomerak, and Bogor Regency Leuwiliang (West Java).
It is also noted that the Southern Sumatra region remains affected by forest and land fires, which can influence ISPU assessments. “Additionally, we need to convey that KLH/BPLH is still deepening the direct relationship between the increase in particulates and the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which requires further technical study,” said Noer Adi, as quoted by Antara.
Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory disorders, are advised to exercise caution during outdoor activities. They are also encouraged to wear masks when going outside if necessary.
He asked the public to remain calm and refer only to official information regarding the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and its subsequent impacts, as well as to stay alert to any changes in air quality. ***
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