Volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau has once again captured public attention after records from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) showed 12 eruptions occurring within a short timeframe, specifically from Wednesday (07/08) to Friday (07/10). This surge brings the total eruptions in 2026 to 17, all of which have been concentrated in the month of July.
This condition has sparked deep concern among coastal residents in Banten and Lampung, who still carry traumatic memories of the Sunda Strait tsunami in December 2018. Responding to the situation, PVMBG has raised the alert status to Level III (Alert) and recommended that the public refrain from activities within a three-kilometer radius of the active crater.
A volcanologist from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Mirzam Abdurrachman, sought to soothe public panic. According to him, although Mount Anak Krakatau continues to grow and has the potential to erupt, current conditions do not carry a destructive risk as high as the 2018 event. This is because the mountain's structural body is currently still in a regrowth phase.
Echoing Mirzam, PVMBG volcano observer Deny Mardiono emphasized that eruptive material is currently still concentrated around the mountain body and poses no danger to residential settlements. He added that the public only needs to be wary of volcanic ash exposure, the direction of which depends heavily on wind movement.
On the other hand, challenges for coastal communities remain real. A number of fishermen admitted they are forced to continue activities around the danger zone to make a living, given that the area is an abundant fishing ground. Meanwhile, the spread of hoaxes on social media regarding Anak Krakatau's eruption temporarily disrupted the local economy by creating unnecessary panic.
Local governments, including Deputy Regent of Serang Muhammad Najib Hamas, assured that tourist destinations in Anyer and Cinangka remain safe for visitors. To minimize risks, authorities have installed warning signs and continue to urge the public to monitor official information from government channels and avoid being swayed by unverified narratives.
