Prabowo Urges Calm, Prays for Public Safety as Anak Krakatau Erupts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant as volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau continues, particularly in Jakarta, Banten, Lampung and areas around the Sunda Strait.

In a message posted on his Instagram accounts, @prabowo and @presidenrepublikindonesia, Prabowo called on residents to follow instructions from the government and authorities on the ground, stay away from Mount Anak Krakatau, and comply with designated danger zones and safety boundaries.

“Let us pray together that Allah SWT will always protect all Indonesians, especially our brothers and sisters living around Mount Anak Krakatau and the Sunda Strait, as well as those in various parts of the country who are currently facing disasters and hardship. May they be granted safety, strength and resilience in facing every challenge.

The President urges everyone, particularly those in Jakarta, Banten, Lampung and areas around the Sunda Strait, to remain calm, stay vigilant, follow all instructions from the government and authorities on the ground, and stay away from Mount Anak Krakatau. They must also fully comply with the danger zones and safety boundaries established by the authorities.”

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The president instructed the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, local governments and relevant ministries in his Red and White Cabinet, including the Health Ministry and Transportation Ministry, to continue monitoring the volcano's activity.

He also ordered government agencies to ensure that emergency preparedness measures are in place and that residents receive the protection and assistance they need.

For people affected by volcanic ash, Prabowo stressed the importance of protecting their health by wearing masks or other respiratory protection. Residents were also advised to limit outdoor activities when ash concentrations become heavy and to follow guidance from health officials and local authorities.

“The President will continue to monitor developments and take whatever decisions and measures are necessary to ensure the safety and protect all Indonesians,” Prabowo said.

The chairperson of the Gerindra Party also called on Indonesians to pray for the safety of people living around Mount Anak Krakatau and the Sunda Strait, as well as communities in other parts of the country facing disasters.

“May Allah SWT always protect all Indonesians,” Prabowo wrote at the end of the caption.

Anak Krakatau remains active

The Geological Agency under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry reported that Mount Anak Krakatau continued to erupt from Friday into Saturday morning, September 4-5, 2026.

The eruptions, which produced incandescent rock fragments and volcanic ash, have been recorded since July 2, when the volcano's alert status was raised to Level III, or Alert.

The Geological Agency also recorded another eruption at 7:10 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 6.

The main potential hazards around the crater include lava flows that could be accompanied by incandescent rock fragments. Authorities have prohibited residents and tourists from entering within a 3-kilometer radius of the volcano's center of activity.