RM10,000 and a detour via Surabaya: Malaysian family stranded in Indonesia scrambles to get home after ash cloud cancels flights

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — A Malaysian family finds themselves stranded in Jakarta after their flight home was abruptly cancelled due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau eruption. To return to Malaysia, they spent approximately RM10,000 on alternative travel, accommodation and transport. As direct flights from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur were sold out, the family opted to take a car journey to Surabaya before flying to Senai, Johor, according to Berita Harian.

Their decision was driven by the fact that airport authorities could not guarantee when normal operations would resume. The family had already purchased tickets for tomorrow's flight, but decided against the risk of another cancellation amid intermittent airport closures. The suspension of airport operations, which was extended until 6pm today, left stranded passengers to arrange their own travel.

Wan Nor Ridani, 29, had to split from some family members who were unable to secure flights from Surabaya and were still searching for alternative options. The ongoing eruption of Anak Krakatau since Friday has caused widespread disruption, with volcanic ash covering the region and leading to the closure of various airports. This has also resulted in a surge in hotel demand near the airports, with many establishments already fully booked.

Many people are currently stranded at the airport, while hotel queues to reschedule flights are lengthy, with some individuals having to wait for several hours before their turn.