Puan Calls for Integrated Response to Anak Krakatau Eruption Impact

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani emphasized the importance of an integrated response to the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption in the Sunda Strait, stressing that public safety must remain the top priority.

“The government needs to act quickly and in an integrated manner to address the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, which has affected public health, education, transportation, and economic activities in several areas,” Puan said in a press statement in Jakarta on Monday, 7 September 2026.

Puan said the government, through relevant ministries and agencies, must ensure that all essential needs of affected communities are met, including the availability of masks and healthcare facilities.

“Public safety must be the top priority. The government, through relevant ministries and agencies, must also ensure that all the needs of affected communities are properly addressed,” she said.

Increased activity at Mount Anak Krakatau has caused volcanic ash to spread across several areas, including Lampung, Banten, Jakarta, and West Java. The ash has also reduced visibility and disrupted air transportation.

Several airports have been temporarily closed due to the volcanic ash, disrupting flights. Volcanic ash may also cause health problems such as eye irritation, coughing, and acute respiratory infections (ARI).

According to Puan, the response must also take into account the eruption’s impact on people’s economic activities. Those affected include casual workers, small traders, fishermen, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as families whose incomes have been disrupted by restrictions on activities.

“Disasters cannot be prevented, but their impact on the people can be minimized through a faster government response,” she stressed.

Puan called on the central and local governments to work together to ensure that affected communities in different regions receive equal protection.

“There must not be a situation where one area has adequate supplies and services while residents in another area lack basic necessities in dealing with the volcanic eruption,” she said.

In the transportation sector, Puan urged the government to gradually restore operations while continuing to prioritize safety. She also called on the government to provide regular updates on Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity and strengthen public education and awareness on volcanic disaster preparedness, including the health risks posed by volcanic ash exposure.

She also assured the public that the DPR RI would oversee the government’s response to the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption through the relevant parliamentary bodies.

Puan urged residents in affected areas to remain calm and monitor developments regarding Mount Anak Krakatau through trusted sources and official government information channels.

She also called on people affected by volcanic ash to wear masks when outdoors and reduce non-essential activities to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.