Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced Monday that eight Indonesian airports remain closed after ash from Mount Anak Krakatau blanketed Jakarta and surrounding provinces. The closures, which include the main airports serving the capital’s neighboring provinces of Lampung and West Java, are expected to last at least until 08:59 a.m. local time.
Ash Cloud Disrupts Travel and Daily Life
The volcano, situated between the islands of Java and Sumatra, erupted late Friday and again on Sunday night, sending ash plumes up to 20,000 feet on the Java side and 50,000 feet on the Sumatra side. The ash has drifted over Jakarta, Banten province and other nearby areas, prompting the transport ministry to cancel flights and shut down airport operations for safety.
According to the ministry, about 170,000 passengers have been affected by the cancellations. The disaster agency has urged residents to wear masks when outdoors to protect against respiratory irritation caused by the fine ash particles.
Schools Shift to Remote Learning
In response to health concerns, schools in Jakarta and the province of Lampung will conduct classes remotely until the ash settles. State news agency Antara reported that the shift aims to safeguard students from inhaling ash while commuting.
Monitoring and Future Outlook
The volcano monitoring agency’s website recorded the most recent eruption at 8:23 p.m. on Sunday. Officials emphasized that the situation remains fluid, noting that “we cannot ascertain when this will end due to the dynamic weather,” said Minister Purwagandhi.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Anak Krakatau, meaning “child of Krakatau,” emerged a century ago in the crater left by the historic 1883 eruption of its predecessor, which caused massive tsunamis and claimed more than 36,000 lives.
Travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels and to follow safety recommendations, including wearing protective masks and avoiding outdoor activities when ash density is high. Authorities will reassess airport operations as conditions improve.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
