An unusual natural phenomenon has enveloped the waters of Papua after a stretch of pumice stone was reported crowding the shoreline and washing ashore. Based on investigations by the Jayapura Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the volcanic material is the result of eruption activity from a submarine volcano located in the Bismarck Sea, north of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Head of BMKG Jayapura, Heri Purnomo, explained that the material began appearing on the surface near the Loniu Passage on June 8, 2026. Due to surface ocean current patterns moving consistently westward, the pumice material was carried until it eventually washed up along the coastline from the Sarmi to Biak regions.
Although this material has created sediment accumulations that trigger coastal shoaling, BMKG emphasized that no active underwater volcanoes have been detected in Papua waters to date. The agency suggests the need for collaboration with the Geological and Volcanological Agency to map the ecological impacts and potential deeper hazards for coastal communities.
Regarding the maritime transport sector, BMKG stated that the movement of the pumice material continues to be monitored in line with current dynamics. Shipping authorities are believed to have taken precautionary measures to ensure water routes remain safe from the volcanic sediment obstacles.
