Hong Kong families hit as volcanic ash strands up to 200 helpers in Indonesia

At least 200 Hong Kong domestic helpers are stranded in Indonesia due to volcanic ash disrupting flights, despite several airports reopening. The Hong Kong Employment Agencies Association fears more closures may follow. The Indonesian transport ministry opened Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday after the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa on Saturday, which halted operations for days.

Around 150 to 200 helpers heading to Hong Kong, including new recruits and those returning home for holidays, remain stranded, said Cheung Kit-man, chairman of the association. Some may fly out on Wednesday, but agencies remain concerned flights could be suspended again if eruptions recur. Cheung expressed concern over the unpredictable nature of natural phenomena.

Alternatives were made for some workers, who were directed to Surabaya, currently unaffected by eruptions. Airlines have placed the stranded helpers on a priority standby list. Betty Yung Ma Shan-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, noted that the disruption has affected families, particularly those who rely on helpers for elderly care.

Four flights from Jakarta to Hong Kong were scheduled for Tuesday, but three were cancelled. Mount Anak Krakatoa, about 150km from Jakarta, erupted on Saturday, causing ash to disrupt eight airports over the weekend, affecting over 3,000 flights and leaving over 340,000 passengers stranded.