The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency has officially clarified false narratives circulating on social media regarding Mount Semeru's activity. Previously, a post on TikTok claimed a violent eruption occurred, sparking mass panic among thousands of residents—a claim strongly refuted by local authorities.
Chief Executive of Lumajang Regency BPBD, Isnugroho, emphasized that the situation around Java's highest volcano remains under control. He urged the public not to easily believe unverified information, emphasizing the importance of referring to official reports from government agencies to prevent anxiety among residents.
According to data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), an eruption of Mount Semeru did occur on Saturday (20/6/2026) with an ash column reaching 700 meters above the peak. Although volcanic activity was recorded on the seismogram for a short duration, Mount Semeru's status remains at Level III (Alert).
As a mitigation measure, authorities continue to remind residents to comply with the exclusion zone, particularly along the southeastern sector of Besuk Kobokan up to a 13-kilometer radius from the eruption center. The public is also prohibited from approaching the crater or summit area within a five-kilometer radius to avoid the hazard of ejected volcanic materials.
Lumajang BPBD hopes that the public will be wiser in filtering disaster-related information. A culture of verifying information through official government channels is key to ensuring public safety and supporting smooth disaster mitigation efforts carried out by authorities in the field.
