Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 11, 2026 at 12:17 PM

Ministry boosts air quality monitoring after Anak Krakatau eruption

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Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health continues monitoring air quality following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and the spread of volcanic ash, which have affected several regions.

Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono on Friday informed that monitoring results from several locations at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on September 9, showed that PM2.5 concentrations in certain outdoor areas remained above safe limits.

At the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Damri Terminal, for instance, measurements showed PM2.5 levels at 63 µg/m³, whereas the safe limit is 25 µg/m³.

He explained that while flight operations could proceed based on paper test results, air quality from a public health perspective still requires attention.

"Airport authorities might use paper tests for flight safety, but particulate matter levels remain high and continue to pose health risks," Dante said.

According to him, particulate counter measurements are crucial for determining levels of fine particulates that may not be visible to the naked eye but can affect health.

"For health purposes, we focus on the 2.5-micron size. Even if larger particles appear to be decreasing, the 2.5-micron particles may still be present at high levels," he continued.

Based on Ministry of Health monitoring results from September 8, several points at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and surrounding areas still showed PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeding safe limits.

Dante explained that volcanic ash contains particles of various sizes. Fine particles, such as PM2.5, can be inhaled deep into the lungs and potentially increase the risk of health issues, especially among vulnerable groups.

As of September 6, his office recorded a cumulative total of 16,759 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in areas affected by volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, spanning four provinces and 23 districts/cities.

Of that total, 3,771 cases occurred in the 0–5 age group, while 12,988 cases involved individuals over the age of five.

The ministry's monitoring shows the incidence of ARI in 2023 is higher than during the same period in 2022. Thus, requiring the public to remain vigilant for symptoms of respiratory distress.

Dante advised the public to minimize exposure to volcanic ash and particulates, such as by limiting outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

He then called on vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, to reduce their outdoor activities.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor air quality and assess the health impacts of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

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