Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: These are the Ministry of Tourism's Measures to Protect Tourists and Destinations

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has impacted tourism activities across multiple regions. Amid volcanic ash fallout that has reached coastal areas of Banten, West Java, and Lampung, the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) has begun preparing response measures for affected tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism reminds travellers not to disregard safety factors. Tourists in impacted zones are requested to limit outdoor activities and adhere to the safe perimeter boundaries established by relevant authorities.

"The Ministry of Tourism is continuously coordinating with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the regional governments of Banten and Lampung, as well as destination operators to monitor impacts from the Anak Krakatau eruption," Ministry of Tourism Spokesperson Imam Priyono told ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The ministry is coordinating with accommodation and hotel operators across Banten as well as airport buffer zones to activate Force Majeure Standard Operating Procedures.

These measures include providing emergency waiting areas and granting flexible check-out times for travellers whose flights have been delayed.

On the ground, the Ministry of Tourism is urging coastal and high-risk destination operators to confirm that evacuation routes are fully operational. Destination management teams are instructed to carry out ash cleaning of public amenities in accordance with the Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) standard operating procedures.

Additionally, operators are required to conduct real-time air quality monitoring, so that situational developments can be tracked and used to inform decisions regarding tourism activity management.

Meanwhile, the economic impact on the tourism sector resulting from airport closures cannot yet be quantified. The Ministry of Tourism is still compiling and verifying data together with regional governments, industry associations and destination operators.

This data includes occupancy rate declines for tourism amenities, operational status of tourist attractions affected by volcanic ash, as well as potential physical damage to tourism infrastructure located near the eruption site.

"This data collection is being conducted to formulate post-disaster recovery measures," stated Imam.

Ongoing situation management forms part of the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to strengthen tourism safety across volcanic areas. This policy framework is built on three main pillars: destination and infrastructure development, physical hazard mitigation, and capacity building for tourism human resources.

For destination development, the ministry ensures that volcanic tourist attractions have daily visitor quotas that are adjusted dynamically based on the latest volcanic activity status issued by PVMBG/Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The Ministry of Tourism also oversees operator compliance regarding the provision of emergency rescue facilities and safety monitoring posts at all critical locations.

Human resource readiness improvement efforts are being implemented through the Tourism Safety Enhancement Training Program, rolled out across all 38 provinces. This program is designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of tourism sector personnel, particularly for managing risks and emergency situations at travel destinations.

This initiative is critical as Indonesia holds major appeal for special interest tourism, most notably volcanic hiking and mountain tourism activities. The Ministry of Tourism records that Indonesia is home to 127 active volcanoes.

Travellers Advised To Monitor Official Information Before Travelling

Tourists located in areas affected by Mount Anak Krakatau volcanic ash are advised to exercise increased caution. Usage of protective equipment and compliance with official authority instructions are critical measures to maintain personal safety while at travel destinations.

"Tourists in ash-affected coastal areas of Banten, West Java, and Lampung provinces are advised to reduce outdoor activities, use protective masks and eyewear, and at all times observe the safe exclusion zones established by authorities," said Imam.

Travellers are also reminded to obtain the latest updated information prior to departure. Details regarding destination conditions, access routes, as well as accommodation and transport operational status should be checked via official channels both before departure and throughout the duration of travel.

For tourism activities in volcanic areas, authority to issue hazard status levels and activity restrictions rests solely with PVMBG, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and respective local regional governments. For this reason, all travellers and tour operators must use official recommendations as their primary reference.

"For this reason, the Ministry of Tourism urges all tourists and tour operators to fully comply with the designated Hazard Prone Area (KRB) zone boundaries established by the authorities," he added.

The Ministry of Tourism also encourages volcanic destination operators to temporarily close entry gates and hiking trails whenever volcanic activity status is classified as hazardous. Clear physical barricades and warning signage must be installed at all trailhead access points to prevent visitors from entering high risk zones.

Additionally, tour operators and guides working at extreme adventure destinations are required to follow all applicable standard operating procedures. Oversight and audits are being promoted to ensure operators and guides hold valid certification in accordance with relevant authority requirements.

For travellers, utilising properly certified travel agents and guides is one of the key steps to improve travel safety. Travellers should also obtain up to date weather and on-site condition information for extreme adventure destinations prior to departure.

Meanwhile, destination operators are instructed to implement technical mitigation measures including maintaining operational evacuation routes and carrying out regular cleaning of public facilities and tourism amenities to remove volcanic ash.

Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) may be engaged for response operations at village tourism sites. Beyond distributing free face masks, these groups can assist travellers by providing accurate on-site condition updates and supporting safe navigation guidance.