The coastal tourist area in Anyer and Carita, Banten, is still reported to be crowded with visitors despite the current status of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) being at Level III or Alert. The Banten Provincial Government emphasized that public activities do not need to be excessively disrupted as long as they comply with official recommendations from the authorities.
Head of the Banten Provincial BPBD, Lutfi Mujahidin, stated that his agency has strengthened the disaster mitigation system as an anticipatory measure. The government's main focus is currently monitoring volcanic developments intensively and ensuring the readiness of evacuation procedures. According to Lutfi, an evacuation policy will only be taken based on in-depth analysis, especially if there are indications of a tsunami threat, given that the public has a time window of about 40 minutes to respond to emergency conditions.
Echoing this, Volcano Observer from PVMBG, Anggi Nuryo Saputro, reminded the public to remain compliant with the restricted zone within a three-kilometer radius of the active crater. He also provided important clarification regarding the difference in the current morphological conditions of GAK compared to the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami incident. With its current height at 158 meters above sea level, the mountain's condition is considered different from the past, though public discipline remains the top priority.
On the other hand, the enthusiasm of tourists at Anyer and Carita Beaches shows no significant decline. Visitors admitted they continued their vacation plans because they felt conditions in the coastal area were still conducive and safe to visit. Local tourism business operators also reported that the flow of visitors, both in bus groups and private vehicles, continues as usual without any significant psychological impact from the increased volcano status.
