Indonesia Lawmaker Calls for Unified Disaster Response After 5 Eruptions
Indonesia's parliament urges integrated disaster response following simultaneous eruptions of five volcanoes to safeguard national transport and safety.
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s parliament is demanding a radical overhaul of the nation's disaster mitigation strategy after five volcanoes erupted in quick succession, threatening regional transportation and public safety. Ade Ginanjar, a member of the House Commission V, which oversees infrastructure and transportation, warned on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, that the government can no longer afford to treat volcanic activity as isolated events.
The simultaneous eruptions involved Mount Anak Krakatau, Mount Sinabung, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, Mount Semeru, and Mount Merapi. The concentration of volcanic events within a narrow timeframe has exposed potential gaps in how state agencies coordinate meteorological data, search-and-rescue operations, and transport safety protocols.
“We must not view each eruption as a stand-alone event. The state must ensure that the entire system is prepared for wide-reaching impacts on both our citizens and national connectivity,” Ginanjar stated. He emphasized that the efficacy of the country's response relies on the ability to translate raw technical data into operational decisions before risks escalate into casualties.
Turning Data into Immediate Action
Ginanjar urged Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to streamline information flow. The goal is to ensure that critical data—such as volcanic ash distribution, wind patterns, and altitude—reaches the Ministry of Transportation, search-and-rescue teams (Basarnas), and local authorities without delay.
“The strength of mitigation lies not only in detecting threats but in the state’s capacity to convert that data into action,” he noted. For the legislative body, early warning systems are only as effective as the coordination protocols that follow them, as every minute between data reception and operational response is a factor in public safety.
Standardized Communication as a Priority
Fragmented communication remains a critical vulnerability. Ginanjar highlighted the necessity of “one data, one coordination, and one protocol” to prevent public confusion. When state agencies release contradictory information, the resulting ambiguity can lead to unnecessary panic among travelers at airports and seaports.
The legislator stressed that information must be disseminated simultaneously to transportation operators and the media to ensure that citizens are not caught off guard at transit hubs. Consistent messaging is vital to maintain public trust in government-led disaster management efforts.
Securing Critical Transport Infrastructure
Volcanic ash remains the most immediate threat to aviation and maritime sectors. Past eruptions of Anak Krakatau have forced the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, underscoring the potential for localized geological events to cripple national logistics. Ash clouds pay no heed to administrative boundaries and can travel hundreds of kilometers, causing catastrophic damage to aircraft engines and marine vessels.
Ginanjar concluded by calling for greater transparency regarding flight cancellations, delays, and rerouting. “Information must be provided as early as possible so that the public can make safe travel decisions. We cannot allow travelers to only learn of disruptions after they have already arrived at the terminal,” he said.
