CLIENT ALERT Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: Practical Considerations for Businesses Operating in West Java

CLIENT ALERT

Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: Practical Considerations for Businesses Operating in West Java.

Introduction

At Saka Wibisono & Partners, we recognise that legal and regulatory developments are not the only events capable of affecting business operations. Natural disasters, public health measures, and government emergency responses may also have significant implications for employers, workplace safety, project execution, supply chains, and business continuity. As part of our commitment to keeping clients informed of developments that may affect their operations, we monitor not only legal and regulatory changes but also significant governmental measures that may influence the broader business environment.

Following the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and the potential dispersion of volcanic ash across parts of West Java, the Governor of West Java issued Circular Letter No. 119/KS.01.01/DINKES concerning Public Health Preparedness and Protection against the Impact of the Eruption and Volcanic Ash Dispersion of Mount Anak Krakatau (the “Circular”). The Circular establishes a coordinated preparedness framework involving various regional government agencies to mitigate public health risks associated with volcanic ash exposure and to strengthen emergency response mechanisms throughout the province.

Although the Circular is primarily addressed to regency and municipal governments, many of the measures introduced have practical relevance for businesses operating in West Java, particularly those engaged in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, mining support services, and other industries involving outdoor operations. More broadly, the Circular serves as a timely reminder that employers should remain proactive in protecting employee health while ensuring that their operations remain resilient in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

This Client Alert summarises the key measures introduced by the Circular and highlights several practical considerations that businesses may wish to take into account during the current situation.

Government Preparedness Measure

The Circular instructs regional governments to strengthen preparedness across multiple sectors to minimise the impact of volcanic ash on public health and essential services.

From a healthcare perspective, regional governments are required to ensure that hospitals, community health centres (Puskesmas), emergency health posts, and other healthcare facilities remain fully operational and adequately equipped. This includes ensuring the availability of healthcare personnel, ambulances, oxygen supplies, pulse oximeters, medicines, respirators or masks, and other personal protective equipment. In addition, health authorities are instructed to conduct daily surveillance of respiratory illnesses, asthma and chronic pulmonary diseases, eye irritation, skin disorders, injuries, and other health conditions that may arise from volcanic ash exposure.

The Circular also recognises that deteriorating environmental conditions may require operational adjustments in other sectors. Educational authorities are authorised to implement remote learning, suspend classroom activities, or temporarily discontinue outdoor school activities where volcanic ash concentrations or air quality pose risks to public health. Although these measures are directed at educational institutions, they may indirectly affect workforce availability and business operations, particularly where employees have childcare responsibilities or where local authorities introduce additional restrictions.

In parallel, Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD) have been instructed to prepare emergency posts, evacuation facilities, and coordination mechanisms to ensure that emergency responses can be implemented efficiently should conditions worsen.

Monitoring Air Quality and Protecting Public Health

One of the principal focuses of the Circular is continuous monitoring of environmental conditions.

Regional environmental authorities, together with BMKG and disaster management agencies, are instructed to monitor ambient air quality, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and to disseminate updated information to the public on a regular basis.

At the same time, regional governments are instructed to prioritise protection for vulnerable groups, including infants and children, elderly persons, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.

For employers, particularly those operating construction projects, industrial facilities, logistics operations, or other businesses involving significant outdoor activities, these measures highlight the importance of monitoring official air quality information and considering whether workplace activities require adjustment where employee exposure to volcanic ash becomes significant.

Public Safety and Operational Considerations

The Circular further requires government agencies responsible for transportation, public infrastructure, public order, and emergency services to maintain road safety, preserve the cleanliness of public facilities, and remove volcanic ash using methods that minimise secondary airborne exposure.

Although these obligations are imposed upon public authorities, businesses may similarly wish to review maintenance procedures for offices, warehouses, factories, construction sites, and other operational facilities. Appropriate cleaning methods may reduce the likelihood of employees being exposed to airborne volcanic ash during routine workplace activities.

The Circular also emphasises the importance of inter-agency coordination and the dissemination of accurate information obtained from official government sources. Businesses should likewise ensure that internal communications concerning health and safety are based on verified information and that employees understand the procedures applicable during periods of elevated volcanic activity.

What This Means for Businesses ?

While the Circular does not introduce new legal obligations directly applicable to private businesses, it reflects the Provincial Government’s heightened level of preparedness and provides useful guidance for employers seeking to protect their workforce and minimise operational disruption.

Businesses whose operations involve outdoor worksites, construction activities, logistics services, mining support, transportation, manufacturing, or field inspections should be aware that deteriorating air quality may affect employee health, productivity, and operational planning. Depending on local conditions, businesses may also experience indirect impacts arising from school closures, transportation disruptions, or temporary restrictions on outdoor activities.

More broadly, the Circular reinforces the importance of occupational health and safety as part of broader business resilience. Employers that proactively review their emergency response procedures and workplace safety measures are generally better positioned to respond efficiently should environmental conditions deteriorate.

Our Practical Recommendations

In light of the current circumstances, businesses may wish to consider the following practical measures:

• Review workplace health and safety procedures, particularly for employees required to work outdoors or travel frequently.
• Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is readily available, including masks and eye protection where necessary.
• Monitor official announcements relating to air quality, weather conditions, transportation, and emergency response measures issued by relevant government authorities.
• Assess whether outdoor operational activities may require temporary adjustment should volcanic ash concentrations increase.
• Communicate appropriate health guidance to employees, including measures to reduce exposure to volcanic ash and procedures for reporting health concerns.
• Review business continuity plans, particularly where operations depend on transportation networks, outdoor activities, or supply chain continuity.
• Consider additional protection for vulnerable employees, including those with respiratory conditions or other underlying health issues, where operationally feasible.

These measures not only support employee wellbeing but may also assist businesses in maintaining operational continuity during periods of heightened environmental risk.