JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com – President Prabowo Subianto has ordered government agencies to strengthen emergency readiness as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau spreads across parts of western Indonesia and disrupts air travel.

In an official statement on Sunday, September 6, Prabowo expressed sympathy for communities around the Sunda Strait and other regions facing disasters.

He said he had monitored the volcano’s activity and received regular reports from relevant agencies.

“I urge our brothers and sisters in Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, and areas around the Sunda Strait to remain calm, increase their vigilance, and follow all instructions from the government and officers in the field,” Prabowo said.

He also instructed residents to stay away from Anak Krakatau and comply with the danger zone established by the authorities.

The president ordered the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to continue monitoring the eruption.

The military [TNI], police [Polri], local administrations and relevant ministries must also ensure that affected communities receive protection and assistance.

Indonesia’s Geological Agency has maintained Anak Krakatau at Level III [Siaga] since July 2.

The agency prohibits residents, tourists and fishermen from entering an area within three kilometers of the volcano’s active center. It has warned of possible ashfall, lava flows and incandescent volcanic material.

The latest eruptive sequence began at approximately 11:07 p.m. on Friday, September 4. Although the continuous tremor ended shortly after midnight on Sunday, authorities continued to monitor volcanic activity and changing ash distribution.

BMKG detected two major ash clusters on Sunday morning. Satellite observations showed volcanic material extending across Banten, Jakarta and West Java, with another cluster reaching toward Bengkulu.

The agency continued to issue aviation warnings while monitoring wind direction and ash concentration.

The eruption temporarily disrupted operations at several airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.

The Transportation Ministry estimated that the disruption affected 467 flights and approximately 150,000 passengers. Officials said airports would reopen only after safety assessments found no hazardous volcanic ash.

Prabowo also advised people exposed to ash to protect their health.

“Use masks or respiratory protection, reduce outdoor activities when the ash is thick, and follow guidance from health workers and local governments,” he said.

The Health Ministry warned that volcanic ash can trigger respiratory problems and irritate the eyes or skin. It advised residents to keep windows closed and wear masks and protective glasses when leaving home.

Prabowo said the government would continue assessing the situation and take further action if conditions changed.

Authorities urged the public to rely on official updates from BNPB, BMKG, the Geological Agency and local disaster-management offices.