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 stranded in Jakarta after their flight home was cancelled has been forced to spend about RM10,000 on alternative travel, accommodation and transport to get back to Malaysia.

Wan Nor Ridani, 29, said his family had decided to travel by car to Surabaya before flying to Senai, Johor, as direct flights from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur were sold out, Berita Harian reported today.

“We have to think of other alternatives because the airport authorities cannot give any assurance when the situation will return to normal,” he was quoted as saying.

The family had already bought new tickets from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur for tomorrow, but decided not to risk another cancellation as airport operations remained subject to intermittent closures.

Wan Nor Ridani said the airport’s operating suspension had been extended until 6pm today, leaving stranded passengers to make their own arrangements.

“Because of that, we will drive to Surabaya and from there take a flight to Senai. From Senai, we will continue to Kuala Lumpur because all direct flights to Kuala Lumpur are already sold out,” he said.

He said he had to split up from some family members as they were unable to secure flights from Surabaya and were still looking for other options.

The continuing eruption of Anak Krakatau since Friday has spread volcanic ash across the region, disrupting domestic and international flights and forcing several airports to suspend operations.

Wan Nor Ridani said the disruption had also sent hotel demand near the airport soaring, with many properties already full.

“Many people are stranded at the airport. Hotels around the airport are all full. The queues to reschedule flights are also very long. Some have been waiting since morning and only got their turn in the afternoon,” he added.