Jakarta Swift Response to Volcanic Ash Helps Narrow Areas with High PM10

The Jakarta Provincial Government has moved quickly to protect residents from the impact of volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption through water mist operations in various areas.

Determine which locations need to be prioritized and openly share updates

Monitoring results from September 6-7, 2026, indicated an improvement in particulate matter distribution following the spraying, with the most noticeable change seen in PM10 levels.

South Jakarta Operates Water Mist to Curb Air Pollution

The Jakarta Provincial Government deployed dozens of fire trucks, water tankers, and mobile water mist units through joint efforts involving the Fire and Rescue Agency (Gulkarmat), Environment Agency (DLH), and Parks and Urban Forest Agency (Tamhut). The measures combine field operations with air quality monitoring.

Jakarta Environment Agency Head Dudi Gardesi said protecting residents was the main objective of the operation.

He explained that spraying was carried out to wet ash deposits so they would be less likely to become airborne again, while monitoring results were used to assess changes in air quality.

"We want residents to feel the government's presence through quick and clear action. Personnel are carrying out spraying operations while air conditions continue to be monitored so that measures to protect residents can be adjusted to conditions on the ground," Dudi said on Monday (9/7).

A comparison of monitoring reports showed that areas with high PM10 levels, which had previously covered relatively large parts of Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, and South Jakarta, covered a smaller area following the spraying.

Dudi highlighted that areas with high readings on the post-spraying map were mainly concentrated in eastern Cilincing and southeastern Cipayung. PM10 consists of very small airborne particles that can be inhaled.

"It's encouraging to see the spread of high PM10 levels narrowing. The data also helps us identify areas that still require attention, allowing us to better target our next steps," he added.

Dudi pointed out that the wetting operation targeted ash that had settled on roads and other surfaces. Dry ash can be lifted back into the air by wind and passing vehicles.

He explained that wetting the deposits helps prevent the ash from becoming airborne again and makes cleanup easier, as recommended in volcanic ash management guidelines published by the USGS.

For PM2.5, the report also showed a reduction in the spread of high-level areas in parts of North Jakarta and East Jakarta. Several areas, particularly Kembangan and Kebon Jeruk, still require attention.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels have not yet shown uniform improvement, making continued monitoring of each pollutant necessary. These findings will serve as a basis for refining priorities for further monitoring and response efforts.

Dudi stressed that wind, rain, and other pollution sources also need to be considered when assessing the impact of spraying on air quality.

"We will use the monitoring results to determine which locations need to be prioritized and openly share updates on air conditions. This way, residents will know what the government is doing and what steps they need to take to protect their families," he added.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is urging residents to remain calm and vigilant amid the spread of volcanic ash. Residents are advised to wear masks when outdoors, limit outdoor activities if their surroundings are affected by ash, and wet ash deposits before cleaning them.

Residents can also monitor air quality through udara.jakarta.go.id and follow official updates from the Environment Agency, Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

"Residents' safety remains our top priority. Through cross-agency cooperation and continuous monitoring, we want to ensure a swift and targeted response while keeping the public informed with clear and easy-to-understand information," he said.