BMKG Intensifies Monitoring of Anak Krakatau Eruption

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has intensified 24-hour monitoring following renewed Anak Krakatau eruption activity. The monitoring covers atmospheric conditions, aviation, and waters around Sunda Strait.

Satellite analysis on Sunday, September 6, 2026, identified two volcanic ash distribution clusters. The ash spread across Banten, Jakarta, West Java, and Bengkulu.

In a press release, BMKG's Acting Deputy for Meteorology Andri Ramdhani, said Soekarno-Hatta Meteorological Station issued its first SIGMET after eruption began. BMKG has since issued 18 SIGMETs periodically for aviation safety.

“The latest SIGMET update recorded ash moving up to 20,000 feet eastward," Andri added. Ash also reached 50,000 feet while moving toward western directions.

Ash below 20,000 feet moved northeastward through southern areas. The affected areas included Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and surrounding waters.

Ash reaching 50,000 feet moved southwestward toward northwest areas. The distribution covered Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, southern Sunda Strait, and Indian Ocean.

Airports including Soekarno-Hatta temporarily suspended operations at different times. NOTAMs stated operational conditions could change with ash distribution developments.

The airport closures resulted from coordination among national aviation stakeholders. Authorities prioritized operational safety through BMKG, AirNav, airport managers, and others.

BMKG also monitored tsunami indicators around the Sunda Strait continuously. Twenty tsunami gauges showed no sea-level anomalies through 7:00 a.m. Sunday.

High-Frequency radar analysis recorded low tsunami probability below 40 percent. Sea waves remained around one meter during the monitoring period.

BMKG also detected secondary geomagnetic disturbances and volcanic lightning activity. Sensors recorded corresponding disturbances in South Lampung and Serang.

BMKG said these disturbances were weaker than those during the initial eruption. Integrated monitoring combines multiple instruments with Geological Agency analysis continuously.

The agency urged coastal residents around Sunda Strait to remain alert and calm. Residents were also told to avoid spreading unverified information.

BMKG advised the public to follow official real-time updates from authorities. Updates are issued regularly through BMKG, Geological Agency, and local government channels.