The Lumajang Regency Government, through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), has officially clarified false information regarding a Mount Semeru eruption video that is currently going viral on various social media platforms. The footage, uploaded by the YouTube channel 'Bencana Populer' on July 3, 2026, is confirmed not to represent the actual volcanic activity of the tallest mountain on Java Island.
The Chief Executive of Lumajang Regency BPBD, Isnugroho, emphasized that the narrative accompanying the video has no factual basis and contradicts the official data released by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). He urged the public to remain calm and not be provoked by unverified posts to maintain peace in the region.
The results of data synchronization conducted by the BPBD with the MAGMA Indonesia system show a discrepancy between the visuals in the video and the official mountain activity reports. Based on official records, Mount Semeru did indeed erupt in early July 2026, but the details of the event on the ground do not align with the narrative spread by irresponsible parties through the content.
To date, the status of Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert). PVMBG continues to urge residents not to conduct any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan up to a 13-kilometer radius from the eruption center. Additionally, the public is prohibited from approaching the crater within a five-kilometer radius due to the ongoing risks of pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and lahar flows.
Isnugroho emphasized the importance of digital literacy for the public to always fact-check before sharing disaster-related information. The community is asked to rely only on official information channels from PVMBG, BPBD Lumajang, and the Lumajang Regency Government as the main reference for monitoring the latest developments regarding Mount Semeru.
