This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: On Sept. 15, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau sent volcanic ash up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) and produced rumbling heard 700 kilometers (435 miles) away. Eight airports suspended operations, thousands of flights were disrupted, and more than 270,000 passengers were stranded.
At almost the same time, smoke from forest fires in Indonesian Borneo drifted across national borders. In Sarawak, deteriorating air quality was associated with a 259% rise in asthma cases, while Manila reportedly recorded pollution levels more than four times the WHO's safe limit. These cases highlight a broader challenge for Indonesia: When a domestic crisis becomes an international concern, its impact is not limited to physical damage.
Such crises can also affect diplomatic relations, regional trust and perceptions of Indonesia as a responsible actor. How Indonesia responds and communicates therefore matters not only for disaster management but also for its global reputation. Domestically, volcanic ash caused eye irritation and forced schools into distance learning.
Internationally, a volcanic eruption can disrupt regional aviation, tourism and travel, requiring rapid coordination and information-sharing with neighboring countries. Transboundary haze creates a different kind of friction. Smoke originating from fires in Indonesia crosses national borders and affects populations in neighboring countries, while some of the affected concessions are owned by companies linked to Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.
This makes the haze not only an environmental issue but also a question of cross-border corporate accountability and diplomacy. Indonesia is highly exposed to climate hazards and has experienced a rise in wildfires in recent years. Taken together, these recurring environmental crises may reinforce perceptions of Indonesia and its regional neighbors, whose companies operate concessions in Indonesia, as sources of regional environmental risk.
For a country seeking to play a larger role in regional and global affairs, this can become a question of credibility: Can Indonesia demonstrate that it is capable of managing risks whose consequences extend beyond its own territory? This question is particularly relevant in ASEAN, where the ASEAN Disaster Risk Communication Framework emphasizes timely, accurate and trustworthy information-sharing among national agencies, ASEAN centers, regional entities and international partners. Can Indonesia also demonstrate leadership in disaster communication in the region?
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