Jakarta. The Jakarta administration has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant as Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait continues to show eruptive activity, with volcanic ash spreading into parts of the capital.

Chico Hakim, a special adviser to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, said the administration was closely monitoring developments at the volcano and the potential impact of the ashfall on Jakarta.

According to data from Indonesia’s Geological Agency under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Anak Krakatau erupted at 7:10 a.m. local time on Sunday, with the eruption recorded by a seismograph at a maximum amplitude of 50 millimeters and lasting 16 seconds.

The volcano remains at Level III, or Alert, on Indonesia’s four-tier volcanic alert system.

Authorities have warned of potential hazards around the crater, particularly lava flows that could be accompanied by incandescent rock fragments. Residents and tourists are prohibited from entering an area within a 3-kilometer radius of the center of volcanic activity.

A separate update from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) at 9:03 a.m. recorded another eruptive event with a maximum amplitude of 19 millimeters lasting about 29 seconds.

BMKG said it found no significant anomalies in its nearby seismographic recordings around the time of the eruption. It also said there had been no significant rise in sea levels during its previous monitoring.

The volcanic ash distribution zone has expanded, reaching areas including Purbalingga regency in Central Java and parts of Jakarta, according to the BMKG.

“Jakarta residents are asked to remain calm but vigilant. Follow official information from the BMKG, PVMBG, BPBD, and the Jakarta administration. Do not easily believe unverified reports. The health and safety of residents are our priority,” Chico said.

PVMBG, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, is the Indonesian agency responsible for monitoring volcanic activity and issuing volcanic hazard assessments.

The Jakarta administration advised residents to wear masks when going outside and reduce outdoor activities unless necessary. Residents were also urged to keep doors, windows, and ventilation openings closed to prevent ash from entering homes.

People exposed to volcanic ash should use protective eyewear and avoid rubbing their eyes. They should rinse their eyes with clean water if ash gets into them.

The administration also advised residents to keep food and drinks covered and clean volcanic ash using wet methods rather than sweeping it while dry, which can cause ash particles to become airborne.

Motorists have been warned to exercise caution because volcanic ash can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.

Residents experiencing breathing difficulties, severe eye irritation, or other health problems were advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The administration said it would continue coordinating with relevant agencies and provide regular updates as the situation develops.

Residents can also contact Jakarta’s emergency service, Jakarta Siaga 112, in an emergency.

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