The Class IV Bakauheni Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) has officially issued a safety advisory for all vessel operators and seafarers in the waters of the Sunda Strait. This preventive measure was taken in response to the increased volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, which is currently at Level III (Alert).
Based on the instructions issued on July 4, 2026, all vessels are strictly prohibited from entering the area within a five-kilometer radius of the volcano's active crater. This determination refers to the recommendation of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to anticipate the risk of volcanic material ejection and navigation disruption due to eruptions.
Head of KSOP Class IV Bakauheni, Suratno, ensured that despite the increased vigilance, crossing operations on the Bakauheni-Merak route are still running normally. A total of 28 vessel fleets remain operational, serving the public through seven docks available at Bakauheni Port.
The port authorities stated that they continue to conduct close monitoring through the workstation on Sebesi Island and remain in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and PVMBG. Captains, of both commercial vessels and traditional fishing boats, are required to always monitor weather developments and the direction of volcanic ash distribution before setting sail.
If any potential danger is detected during the voyage, captains are instructed to immediately perform evasive maneuvers and report the condition to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) or the nearest harbormaster authority. This effort is carried out as a primary mitigation step to ensure the safety of all maritime transport users in the Sunda Strait region.
