Jakarta – Recent volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau serves as an important reminder for companies to ensure their readiness to respond to emergency situations. Disasters can not only threaten human safety, but may also affect facilities, employee mobility, operational activities, and overall business continuity.
Based on the analysis and evaluation conducted by the Geological Agency as of September 7, 2026, Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity level remains at Level III (Alert). A continuous eruptive episode that lasted approximately 25 hours has ended; however, volcanic activity continues to be monitored as seismic activity remains high, with the potential for further eruptions in the coming periods still considered significant.
Potential hazards that need to be anticipated include pyroclastic flows, lava flows, incandescent rock ejections, and heavy ashfall. The public, visitors, tourists, and climbers are also advised not to enter or conduct activities within a 3-kilometer radius of the Mount Anak Krakatau activity center.
This situation underscores that preparedness cannot begin only after a disaster has occurred. Companies, particularly those operating in areas exposed to disaster risks, need to establish mitigation systems, evacuation procedures, trained personnel, communication protocols, and an Emergency Response Team (ERT) capable of taking rapid and coordinated action.
Panji Baskoro, Security Response Department Head at PT Nawakara Perkasa Nusantara, said that mitigation is an essential step in reducing risks before an emergency develops into a more serious situation. “In an emergency, the first few minutes can make a significant difference. Therefore, companies need to understand the risks they face, who is responsible for making decisions, how information should be communicated, where employees should move, and how evacuation should be carried out safely. The ERT must be able to ensure that the entire process runs in a structured manner without causing panic,” said Panji at Nawakara Head Office on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
Mitigation Starts Before an Emergency Occurs
According to Nawakara, mitigation should begin with a risk assessment of the workplace and potential hazards in its surrounding environment. Companies need to ensure the availability of an Emergency Response Plan, evacuation routes and maps, designated assembly points, emergency warning and communication systems, first-aid supplies, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as employee lists and information on individuals who may require special assistance during evacuation.
When dealing with exposure to volcanic ash, outdoor activities should be limited and the use of masks should be considered to reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Companies should also anticipate the potential impact of ash on facilities, vehicles, machinery, ventilation systems, and electronic equipment, which may affect operational activities.
Information regarding disaster developments should be obtained from official authorities to ensure that operational decisions are not based on unverified information.
Evacuation Processes Must Be Measured and Coordinated
When conditions require an evacuation, the ERT activates emergency response procedures by verifying the threat and coordinating with management and relevant authorities. Evacuation information and instructions are then communicated through established emergency communication systems.
ERT personnel subsequently guide employees along designated evacuation routes to the assembly point or a safe location, prioritizing employees who require special assistance. Where conditions permit, an area sweep is conducted to ensure that no employees have been left behind.
Upon arrival at the assembly point, a head count or personnel check is conducted to ensure that all employees have been evacuated. If any employees remain unaccounted for, the information is immediately communicated to the relevant team for further search efforts, while continuing to consider the level of risk and the safety of response personnel.
The ERT also provides first aid and initial triage when casualties are present, while coordinating with healthcare facilities, fire departments, BPBD, security authorities, and other relevant agencies when necessary. Employees remain in a safe location until official information confirms that conditions allow them to return or that relocation to a safer area is required. “Evacuation is not simply about moving people from one location to another. It requires clear command, safe evacuation routes, communication, personnel accountability, casualty management, and coordination with external parties. All of these elements need to be practiced through emergency drills so that when a real situation occurs, everyone understands what they need to do,” Panji added.
Building Preparedness Through an Emergency Response Team
Through its Emergency Response Team (ERT) services, Nawakara supports companies in building emergency preparedness through risk identification and assessment, development of an Emergency Response Plan, response personnel readiness, simulations and emergency drills, evacuation support, initial incident response, and on-site response coordination.
The presence of an ERT is an important part of building a security and safety system that is more adaptive to various risks, including natural disasters, fires, workplace accidents, and other emergencies that may disrupt business operations. “Effective emergency response always begins long before an emergency occurs. The stronger the mitigation, training, and coordination that are established, the greater a company’s ability to protect its people and assets while maintaining operational continuity,” Panji concluded.
Nawakara encourages companies and the public to remain vigilant and follow the latest information and official recommendations from the Geological Agency/PVMBG, BNPB, BPBD, and relevant local authorities.
Communities affected by volcanic ash are advised to reduce outdoor activities or wear masks, follow instructions from authorities, and avoid relying on unverified information.
