A volcanic eruption in Indonesia has forced the closure of Jakarta’s main airport and several others, affecting over a quarter of a million people. The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, located about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Jakarta, occurred on Saturday, spewing lava and volcanic ash. This led to the suspension of operations at eight airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, causing widespread disruption.
The eruption’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. Aviation officials halted operations at multiple airports after detecting ash in their airspace, which posed significant risks to aircraft. The transport ministry reported that more than 270,000 passengers were stranded, with thousands of flights canceled, delayed, or diverted since September 5, 2026. The ministry clarified that these figures represented the cumulative operational impact during this period.
Italian tourist Michel Miegge, stranded in Jakarta with his girlfriend, expressed frustration: “We don’t have any news from the airline… We found a nearby hotel, but many were fully booked.” The 32-year-old software engineer was due to fly home in time for work on Tuesday, but their flight was canceled, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.
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The closure of Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports was extended until 6 pm on Monday. Halim Perdanakusuma, a smaller airport serving both civil and military flights, also remained closed. Meanwhile, a small airport in south Sumatra resumed operations on Monday morning. The transport ministry arranged six alternative airports in East Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta to accommodate affected flights. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized the importance of using these airports to avoid passenger congestion and provided free bus services for passengers traveling to these alternative locations. The Indonesian government also relaxed rules for foreign passengers who may have overstayed their visas due to flight cancellations.
Volcanic Threat Persists
Indonesia’s geology agency warned that the risk of further eruptions remains high. Agency head Lana Saria detailed the potential hazards: “The threat includes incandescent rocks, heavy ashfall, and potential lava flows.” Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatau”, has been intermittently active since its emergence in the early 20th century following the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatau. The volcano sits in a strait separating the islands of Java and Sumatra. A 2018 tsunami caused by its collapse killed 429 people and displaced thousands, showing the ongoing challenges of managing volcanic activity in a densely populated region.
Belgium Arrests Suspected Chip Spy
Belgian authorities arrested a Chinese-Belgian national accused of selling trade secrets from a local chipmaker to a Chinese rival. The suspect, a senior researcher at the now-bankrupt Belgan, was detained at Brussels airport in May while attempting to fly to Beijing. Prosecutors allege that the individual simultaneously held a director position at a Chinese firm established shortly after they joined Belgan, which was financed by a Chinese investment fund.
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The case involves the illegal transfer of intellectual property related to gallium nitride chips, critical for electric vehicles, aerospace, and military applications. Belgan’s bankruptcy in 2024 affected over 400 workers. This is Belgium’s second recent espionage case linked to China. In July, a Canadian citizen of Chinese origin was arrested on suspicion of spying for a third country during a NATO internship.
Belgium’s state security agency has highlighted China’s tactics, including establishing “copy-to-China” companies to acquire Western technology. The agency described how Chinese firms invest in Belgian companies, research centers, or spin-offs to gain access to specific technologies, then replicate them in China before selling off the original parent company. The suspect faces charges of espionage, criminal organization involvement, and unlawful disclosure of secrets, while prosecutors continue to search for a second Chinese national, reportedly Belgan’s last CEO.
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