The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially raised the status of Mount Anak Krakatau from Level II (Caution) to Level III (Alert). This decision, effective from Thursday (2/7/2026), was made after a series of monitoring observations showed significant magma movement dynamics beneath the surface of the active volcano.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that the status change was based on a surge in seismic intensity detected since early June 2026. Observation data recorded the frequency of gust, hybrid, and low-frequency earthquakes reaching an average of 50 events per day. At its peak, the volcano, located in the waters of the Sunda Strait, erupted on Thursday afternoon with an ash column reaching a height of 200 meters above the peak.
Visual and instrumental monitoring results, including Sentinel satellite analysis and tiltmeter data, confirmed indications of pressure from within the volcano's body. Nonetheless, the Geological Agency noted that there has been no drastic increase in deep volcanic earthquakes that typically precede major eruptions. Current dynamics are more focused on surface activity triggering the release of SO2 gas and volcanic ash material.
Following up on this status upgrade, relevant authorities have enforced a no-activity zone for the public, fishermen, and tourists within a 3-kilometer radius of the crater center. Residents on the coasts of Lampung and Banten are urged to remain calm and not be provoked by baseless rumors of tsunamis.
The government emphasized the importance of relying on official information from the PVMBG and the Geological Agency. All members of the public are asked to increase vigilance against the potential ejection of incandescent rocks, lava flows, and volcanic ash fall that may occur while the Alert status remains in effect and is periodically evaluated.
