Indonesian volcanic eruption delays domestic workers bound for Hong Kong
Mount Anak Krakatoa's eruption closed several Indonesian airports, leaving up to 200 domestic helpers stranded. Some flights have resumed, but agencies fear further disruptions. Workers are being rerouted through Surabaya to reach Hong Kong.
The weekend eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa prompted authorities to close eight airports across Indonesia, disrupting roughly 3,000 flights. Jakarta's primary air hub, Soekarno-Hatta, remained offline for multiple days before resuming operations on Tuesday.
The stranded group of 150 to 200 helpers includes both new hires and individuals returning from vacations. To avoid the ash cloud, some are being rerouted through Surabaya, while the employment agencies association has already established contingency measures should the volcano erupt again.
The disruption could strain Hong Kong households that depend on immediate domestic assistance, as families may need to arrange temporary childcare or elder care. For the stranded workers, extended delays may mean lost wages and added travel costs. Employment agencies could face logistical hurdles in managing client expectations, while the unpredictable nature of the volcano may create recurring uncertainty for the regional labor supply.