Golkar Banten Distributes Masks as Anak Krakatau Ash Spreads
Golkar Party distributes masks in Banten as volcanic ash from the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano spreads, prompting health warnings for residents.
SERANG, Indonesia — The Banten chapter of the Golkar Party has launched an emergency distribution of protective masks for residents in Anyer, Serang Regency, as volcanic ash from the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano blankets the coastal region. The initiative, part of the 'Golkar Banten Peduli' program, targets communities living closest to the Sunda Strait, where ash fallout has reached dangerous levels since Saturday, Sept. 6, 2026.
Volcanic ash particles from the ongoing eruption have traveled significantly, impacting air quality across Banten, the Jakarta metropolitan area, West Java, and parts of Sumatra. The ash poses a direct threat to respiratory health, leading health officials and local leaders to advise the public to limit outdoor activities and use protective gear.
"The volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau continues to disperse and poses a risk to health, particularly regarding the respiratory system," said Andika Hazrumy, Chairman of the Golkar Party’s Banten provincial board. "We urge the public to remain vigilant and prioritize prevention, including wearing masks when conducting activities outside the home."
Heightened Regional Alert
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has confirmed two distinct ash dispersal patterns originating from the mountain. With the volcano remaining at Level III (Alert/Siaga) status, the threat of further escalations persists. The impact extends beyond health concerns; the fine particulate matter has forced adjustments to flight schedules and maritime operations due to severely reduced visibility.
Ateng Sutisna, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission XII, emphasized that this crisis serves as a critical test for the government's multi-sector disaster mitigation capabilities. "The government must not be late in its response. It is time to prove that the state is capable of acting decisively during the warning phase, covering everything from volcanic monitoring to aviation safety," Sutisna stated on Monday, Sept. 7.
Legislators are calling for a robust response that extends beyond simple warnings. Surahman Hidayat, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission VIII, urged the government to ensure the continuous supply of essential needs for affected citizens, including clean water, food, and specialized health services for vulnerable groups.
As the distribution effort continues in Anyer, Bahrul Ulum, Secretary of the Golkar Party in Banten, noted that the air in the district remains heavily contaminated, necessitating sustained support from both political organizations and the broader community. The provincial leadership has directed all party branches across the region to increase their involvement in helping residents mitigate the ongoing environmental hazards.
