KOMPAS SBS — WEST JAKARTA — The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has drawn serious attention amid ongoing community activities. As a precautionary measure against the potential spread of volcanic dust and ash that could affect road users and air quality, the West Jakarta Metropolitan Police have moved quickly by deploying a Tactical Armoured Water Cannon (AWC) vehicle to spray water along several major protocol roads.
The preventive operation was carried out on Tuesday (September 8, 2026), beginning at approximately 11:00 p.m. local time and continuing until completion. Police personnel patrolled several strategic roads in West Jakarta using the AWC vehicle to wet road surfaces where dust could potentially accumulate.
The operation was not merely a routine activity. Amid public concerns over the potential impact of volcanic ash, dust deposited on road surfaces could become airborne again when disturbed by passing vehicles or blown by the wind. Such conditions may reduce visibility, affect the comfort of road users, and potentially impact the respiratory health of residents if particulate concentrations increase.
For this reason, police officers took preventive action by wetting several road sections to help suppress dust and prevent it from becoming airborne.
POLICE MOVE QUICKLY, PROTOCOL ROADS SPRAYED
The operation was led by TPPP 1 Team under the command of First Inspector Puji Margono, S.H., M.H., together with personnel from the Urban Patrol Unit (Patko) of the West Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
Using the Tactical AWC vehicle, officers traveled along several major protocol roads. The spraying route began at the West Jakarta Metropolitan Police Headquarters, then proceeded along Daan Mogot Road, Taman S. Parman Road, Tomang Raya Road, L. Slipi Road, back to Tomang Raya Road, Palmerah Utara Road, before returning to police headquarters.
These roads are among the routes with relatively high traffic activity. Therefore, controlling dust on road surfaces was considered important as part of efforts to maintain public safety and comfort, particularly for people who continued their activities at night.
Water was sprayed directly onto the road surface using the AWC vehicle. The method is expected to help bind dust particles on the roadway so they are less likely to become airborne again due to vehicle tires or wind.
Although simple, the measured preventive action represents a rapid response by police officers to an environmental situation that could potentially affect community activities.
WEST JAKARTA POLICE CHIEF: POLICE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN PEOPLE NEED THEM
West Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Commissioner Nasriadi said that road spraying was part of the police’s preventive measures to help anticipate the potential impact of volcanic dust and ash.
According to him, dust deposited on road surfaces could become airborne again due to vehicle activity or wind. Such conditions need to be anticipated to prevent disturbances to road users and surrounding communities.
“This measure is being taken to help reduce dust and volcanic ash resulting from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which could become airborne due to vehicle activity or wind, so that it does not disturb road users or affect the health of people in the surrounding area,” Nasriadi said when contacted on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
The statement demonstrates that the police are not solely focused on maintaining security and public order, but are also taking public-service measures when environmental conditions have the potential to disrupt residents’ activities.
PUBLIC URGED TO REMAIN ALERT AND WEAR MASKS
Amid the road-spraying operation, the public has also been urged not to panic while maintaining a heightened level of awareness.
Nasriadi advised people who need to carry out outdoor activities to wear masks as a precautionary measure to protect their respiratory systems, particularly when the surrounding air becomes dusty.
“For members of the public who need to go outside for their activities, we urge them to always wear masks as a precaution against the negative impacts of the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau,” he added.
The appeal is important because community activities cannot be completely halted. People still need to work, travel and carry out their daily routines.
Therefore, simple protective measures such as wearing masks, reducing direct exposure to dust and following official information from the government and relevant authorities are important steps in dealing with the situation.
PATKO AND POLICE PRECINCTS URGED TO REMAIN ON ALERT
The West Jakarta Metropolitan Police said that personnel and officers from police precincts across the area would continue monitoring conditions and providing services to the community.
Police emphasized that environmental conditions with the potential to disrupt residents’ activities require a visible presence and rapid response from officers in the field.
In addition to maintaining traffic safety and public order, police personnel are expected to respond quickly whenever communities face situations requiring assistance.
Nasriadi stressed that police officers must remain among the public whenever their presence is needed.
“Police must be present when the community needs them. Our responsibility is not only to maintain public security and order, but also to provide services and assist the community in dealing with situations that could affect their safety and comfort,” he concluded.
MORE THAN JUST SPRAYING ROADS, A MESSAGE OF READINESS
The deployment of the Tactical AWC to spray protocol roads represents one of the West Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s concrete measures to prepare for potential environmental disruptions caused by the spread of volcanic dust and ash.
The operation also demonstrates that authorities do not have to wait until a problem becomes severe before taking action. Preventive measures can instead be implemented at an early stage by utilizing available police resources.
With vehicle traffic continuing throughout the city, dusty road surfaces can become a source of airborne particles. By wetting the roads, police are attempting to reduce that potential risk.
However, government and police efforts cannot stand alone. Public awareness remains an essential part of responding to the situation.
Residents are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, use protective measures such as masks when conducting outdoor activities, and follow updates from government agencies and authorized institutions.
Meanwhile, the presence of West Jakarta Metropolitan Police personnel along major protocol roads sends a clear message that officers are prepared to take preventive measures whenever conditions in the field require intervention.
As the Tactical AWC moved through the city’s major roads at night, the operation was about more than simply spraying water. It demonstrated the police’s readiness to respond to circumstances that could potentially disrupt public comfort and safety.
Rapid response, early prevention and direct public service in the field remain key. Amid heightened awareness of the potential impact of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity, the West Jakarta Metropolitan Police have chosen to act early—before dust and volcanic ash potentially cause greater disruption to community activities.
(Public Relations Division, West Jakarta Metropolitan Police)
