When Disaster Crosses Borders, Indonesia's Credibility Is Tested Twice

When disaster crosses borders, Indonesia's credibility is tested twice

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.

When disaster crosses borders, Indonesia’s credibility is tested twice

On September 15, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau sent volcanic ash up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) and produced rumbling heard 700 kilometres 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 …