{
  "id": 8258771,
  "title": "When disaster crosses borders, Indonesia's credibility is tested twice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/when-disaster-crosses-borders-indonesias-credibility-is-tested-twice",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T14:40:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-disaster-borders-indonesia-credibility.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 15, Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, sending volcanic ash soaring up to 15,000 meters into the sky and generating thunderous rumblings audible from 700 kilometers away. Airports were forced to close, disrupting thousands of flights and leaving over 270,000 passengers stranded. Around the same time, smoke from forest fires in Indonesian Borneo swept across neighboring countries' borders. In Sarawak, air quality deteriorated, leading to a dramatic 259% increase in asthma cases, while Manila reportedly recorded pollution levels surpassing four times the World Health Organization's safe limit.\n\nThese incidents underscore a significant challenge for Indonesia: when a domestic crisis escalates to an international concern, its effects extend beyond physical damage. Such disasters can strain diplomatic relations, regional trust, and Indonesia's reputation as a responsible global player. The aftermath of the volcanic eruption saw citizens experiencing eye irritation and schools shifting to distance learning. On the international stage, volcanic eruptions can disrupt regional aviation, tourism, and travel, necessitating swift coordination and information-sharing with neighboring nations.\n\nMeanwhile, transboundary haze presents a unique form of conflict. Smoke from Indonesian forest fires crosses national boundaries, impacting populations in neighboring countries, some of which are owned by companies connected to Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia. This haze is not merely an environmental issue but also a matter of cross-border corporate accountability and diplomacy.\n\nIndonesia is particularly susceptible to climate-related hazards, having witnessed a surge in wildfires in recent years. These recurring environmental crises could tarnish Indonesia's image and that of its regional neighbors, whose companies operate concessions within Indonesia. For a nation aspiring to assume a larger role in regional and global affairs, this presents a credibility dilemma: can Indonesia prove its ability to manage risks that extend beyond its borders?\n\nAccording to Ingrid d Hooghe, a senior research associate and former head of the Clingendael China Centre, in instances where a domestic crisis becomes an international concern, governments must communicate with domestic and foreign audiences through three types of information. Physical coping information includes guidance on risk mitigation, such as updates on air quality, affected areas, health risks, and protective measures during forest fires or volcanic eruptions. Psychological coping information aims to alleviate fear and uncertainty. For instance, Indonesia's disaster management agency (BNPB) and meteorological agency (BMKG) reassured the public that the Anak Krakatau eruption posed no tsunami risk. Both of these layers have an international component that is often overlooked. Timely and accurate information enables neighboring governments to assess risk and coordinate their responses. Conversely, silence, contradiction, or delay can force other countries to make decisions based on incomplete information, often leading to adverse consequences.\n\nThe third layer, reputational repair, poses a distinct challenge. Reputational repair involves strategic communication aimed at restoring a country's damaged image, especially when a crisis involves imputable acts, inadequate prevention, or handling that leaves the country blamed and attacked. The Anak Krakatau eruption is considered a no-fault crisis, as Indonesia did not cause the volcanic eruption. Consequently, its reputation hinges on how effectively the government responds, communicates risks, and safeguards affected communities. In contrast, forest fires are often attributed to human activity, negligence, and inadequate legal enforcement. While natural explanations may suffice for some audiences, they can appear as alibis for others, such as those in Kuching or Manila suffering from smoke inhalation. Merely attributing the fires to dry weather or the super El Niño can be perceived as inadequate abroad. To effectively repair their reputation, Indonesia must enforce environmental laws, investigate those responsible, strengthen fire prevention measures, and address the underlying conditions that fuel recurrent fires. Diplomatically, this distinction is crucial. A natural disaster tests Indonesia's capacity to respond to an unavoidable hazard, while recurring fire crises can also assess the willingness of Indonesia and its neighbors to communicate openly about shared responsibility for risks that transcend borders. For Indonesia, disaster communication is not merely an exercise in public information; it is also a component of public diplomacy. Rapid, transparent, and consistent communication is essential when crises cross borders. However, communication alone cannot replace action. In the case of natural hazards, demonstrating preparedness, competence, and empathy is paramount. For environmental crises involving human responsibility, communicating effectively becomes even more critical.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mount Anak Krakatau erupted on September 15, sending ash 15,000 meters high",
    "Smoke from Indonesian Borneo fires caused asthma spikes in Sarawak and Manila",
    "Transboundary haze highlights Indonesia's credibility challenges in disaster response"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}