The volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, which is currently at Level III or Alert status, has not dampened the resolve of fishermen along the Lampung coast to continue earning a living. Despite the looming danger, the economic wheels in the fisheries sector keep turning through the implementation of self-managed mitigation strategies on the ground.
According to the latest report from the Magma Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the volcano located in the Sunda Strait is still observed emitting crater smoke ranging from 10 to 100 meters in height. Seismic activity dominated by continuous tremors is the main reason authorities have established an exclusion zone within a minimum radius of three kilometers from the crater center.
Edi Muhtadi, a fisherman from Kampung Pulau Pasaran, Bandar Lampung, revealed that the fishing community actually understands the inherent risks. According to him, the decision to keep going to sea is driven by the need to secure their livelihoods, but under an absolute condition: avoiding the restricted zone designated by the government.
"We are used to monitoring the volcano's condition. If signs of activity increase, we immediately shift our fishing grounds to safer areas. Safety remains the top priority above all else," Edi said.
While the majority of fishermen comply with safety recommendations, Edi did not deny that a few individuals still recklessly approach the danger zone for a larger catch. This phenomenon presents a unique challenge for relevant authorities in ensuring full compliance with safety advisories, considering that the trauma of the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami disaster still lingers in the collective memory of coastal communities.
