After being in a calm phase since early 2024, Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) has once again shown significant volcanic dynamics. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has officially raised the volcano's status from Level II (Advisory) to Level III (Alert) effective July 2, 2026.
The Head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Observation Post, Andi Suwardi, explained that this increase in activity was monitored gradually through various technical indicators. Since June 1, 2026, Sentinel satellite imagery has detected sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions, followed by the appearance of thermal anomalies and hotspots in the crater area on June 10. This phenomenon indicates the initial movement of magma toward the surface.
Data from PVMBG recorded a quite drastic spike in seismicity, particularly in the period from June 16 to July 2, 2026. During this period, hundreds of gust earthquakes, hybrid earthquakes, and low-frequency earthquakes were recorded, signaling strongly that the magma system beneath the volcano has become active again. The escalation peaked with an eruption on July 2 at 14:05 WIB, with a volcanic ash column reaching a height of 200 meters above the peak.
In response to these conditions, authorities have established an exclusion zone within a three-kilometer radius of the crater center. This preventive measure was taken to minimize the risk of threats from volcanic projectile impacts, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall that could occur at any time.
Andi also urged residents in the coastal areas of Lampung and Banten not to be influenced by unsubstantiated rumors regarding potential tsunamis. To date, PVMBG emphasizes that there are no indications of activity pointing to a tsunami threat and requests residents to always monitor information updates through official government channels and the local BPBD.
