House calls for integrated response to Anak Krakatau eruption

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani has called for the handling of Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption impact to be conducted in an integrated manner, with public safety as the top priority.

“The government, through related ministries and agencies, must also ensure every need of affected communities can be met,” Maharani said here on Monday.

The volcano’s eruption in the Sunda Strait has affected health, education, transportation, and economic activities in several regions.

She asked the government to carry out comprehensive disaster mitigation and ensure the availability of masks and health facilities for those in need.

“Disasters cannot be prevented, but their impact on the people can be minimised through a faster response from the state,” she said.

According to her, the central and regional governments need to work as one to ensure residents receive equal protection regardless of which province they live in.

Maharani also called on the government to provide clear guarantees to the public in facing the impact of Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption.

“There must not be a case where one region is well prepared with adequate stock and services, while another leaves its people lacking basic necessities in facing the volcanic eruption disaster,” she said.

She also reminded attention must be given to daily laborers, small traders, fishermen, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) players, and families whose income has stopped due to activity restrictions.

“Safety policies must be accompanied by protection, so families are not forced to choose between avoiding (volcanic ash) exposure or continuing to work to meet their needs,” she explained.

Earlier, Geological Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry stated the continuous eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau had ended after lasting 25 hours, though volcanic activity is still being monitored due to persistently high seismicity.