Antara News·Indonesia·Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 12:50 PM

Sunda Strait ferry services remain normal amid Anak Krakatau eruption

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Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ferry crossings across the crucial Sunda Strait corridor connecting the islands of Java and Sumatra remain fully operational despite the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, according to Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.

Speaking during a virtual press conference on Sunday, Dudy confirmed that maritime services along the high-density Merak–Bakauheni route have suffered no significant disruptions, even as volcanic ash emissions forced widespread closures at nearby airports.

"We are not only monitoring flight conditions, but also closely supervising crossings in the Sunda Strait, where ferry operations are currently proceeding normally," the minister said.

While vessel traffic remains uninterrupted, the Transportation Ministry has instructed port authorities, state navigation agencies, and commercial vessel operators to maintain heightened vigilance and prioritize maritime safety above schedule adherence.

To safeguard passenger health against potential airborne volcanic ash, port operators and ferry companies have been urged to distribute protective face masks to travelers.

The ministry decided against adding extra vessels to the primary Merak–Bakauheni route, as current passenger volumes have experienced a notable decline following the eruption.

"We have not increased the number of ferry boats on the Merak–Bakauheni route because passenger traffic is actually decreasing. Many travelers appear to have canceled or postponed their journeys,” Dudy noted.

"As a result, current fleet capacity is more than sufficient to handle existing passenger traffic," he added.

The ministry guaranteed that continuous monitoring alongside maritime safety agencies and local stakeholders will remain active to ensure smooth mobility and passenger security.

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