Safe Viewing at Anak Krakatau: West Java

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center believe the status of Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Banten and Lampung, is still within a safe limit to observe from a distance of three kilometers. Head of the center’s volcano observation division, Agus Budiarto, said material from Anak Krakatau’s eruptions had begun to reach the foot of the volcano, some 750 meters from the crater.

“It’s not dangerous if observed from a distance of 3 km. The view is magnificent even if viewed from 40 km,” Agus said in Bandung on Wednesday.

The Pasauran volcano observation station in Serang, Banten, recorded fluctuating activity at Anak Krakatau this week. On Oct. 30, it recorded 198 volcanic eruptions and from early Wednesday to 12 p.m. Thursday it had recorded 111 volcanic eruptions, 24 deep volcanic quakes and 25 shallow tremors.

This week, there was an upward trend in the number of volcanic eruptions, with 68 recorded since the volcano was put at top-alert status on Oct. 26.

Based on information from Pasauran volcanic observation station staff member Anton Tri Pambudi, the volcano has been spewing mostly pebbles and volumes of ash.

Agus said the center had not provided guides to observe Anak Krakatau.

“People should request (a guide) at the local tourism office. But you must follow existing rules,” he said.

Yuli Tri Suwarni