Jakarta (The Indonesian News) – Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi stated that public safety and security are the government’s top priority in addressing the impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, which has the potential to disrupt transportation operations, including flights in several regions.
Minister Dudy conveyed that the temporary suspension or closure of airport operations is carried out as part of mitigation efforts if volcanic ash conditions are deemed to endanger aviation safety.
“If the ash dispersion is still extensive and the paper test results remain positive, then we will not force the airport to open or allow aircraft operations,” said Minister Dudy while directly monitoring Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday (September 6).
The Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, continues to monitor the development of volcanic activity and volcanic ash dispersion, including their impact on airspace and airport operations.
Based on NOTAM A3348/26, Soekarno-Hatta Airport was temporarily closed on September 6, 2026, from 13:23 to 17:30 WIB (EST) due to volcanic ash dispersion from Mount Krakatau. This NOTAM replaces Notam A3346/26. The closure was carried out as an aviation safety measure following indications of volcanic ash dispersion from Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity.
Similar closures were also implemented at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, Husein Sastranegara Airport, Budiarto Curug Airport, Pondok Cabe Airport, Taufik Kiemas Airport, and Atung Bungsu Airport. From these closures, approximately 150,000 passengers were stranded, with 467 flights affected, consisting of 58 international flights and 409 domestic flights.
Minister Dudy instructed all aviation operators to prioritize safety in every operational decision and to convey information quickly, accurately, and transparently to the public.
On the other hand, the Minister emphasized that although operational disruptions occur due to natural conditions, passenger service must remain a priority.
Airlines are required to provide clear information to passengers regarding schedule changes, cancellations, or flight diversions, and to ensure that passenger rights are fulfilled in accordance with applicable regulations. The Minister also opened the possibility of diverting flights to other airports such as Kertajati, Semarang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
“Airlines must immediately inform passengers so they do not have to wait too long. Given that conditions are unpredictable, the most important thing is that their rights for ticket refunds must be guaranteed by the airlines so they don’t have to wait. Because there are many passengers who still hope they can still fly. However, with the conditions you can see, it is unlikely that we will be able to open the airport anytime soon. We will open it only if we can guarantee that safety conditions are certain,” said Minister Dudy.
The Minister also asked operators to ensure the availability of staff and information channels to assist affected passengers, so that every travel change can be handled in an orderly and coordinated manner.
To the public planning to travel through affected airports, Minister Dudy advised them not to come to the airport during the closure period and to always monitor the latest information from airlines regarding flight status.
Meanwhile, regarding ferry transportation, Minister Dudy conveyed that based on the Ministry of Transportation’s monitoring, operations on the Merak–Bakauheni crossing route are still running normally. The Ministry of Transportation continues to monitor weather conditions, waterways, shipping safety, and service smoothness on this route.
“Merak is still operating. Regarding waves, so far there have been no reports requiring us to stop operations. However, the impact of ash dispersion needs to be carefully observed and monitored. If the ash dispersion significantly affects the health of passengers and crew, then ferry operations should not be forced,” said Minister Dudy.
The Minister asked all ship operators and port managers to strictly follow safety procedures, including monitoring weather and waterway conditions and ensuring the readiness of ships, crew, port facilities, and services to users.
Source: Bureau of Communication and Public Information of the Ministry of Transportation
