The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially denied the authenticity of a video widely circulating on social media. The short video shows a volcanic eruption accompanied by flashes of light, narrated as the latest activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, emphasized that the footage was confirmed to be inaccurate after technical verification. The agency urged the public not to be easily influenced by unverified content and to rely solely on official information channels, such as the PVMBG website or the MAGMA Indonesia application, as the primary source of volcanic activity data.
Based on field monitoring data, Mount Anak Krakatau only experienced two small eruptions this week, on July 2 and July 3, 2026. This activity produced an ash column approximately 200 meters high above the peak, far from the massive eruption depicted in the circulating hoax video.
In addition to clarifying the fake video issue, the Geological Agency also corrected misleading information regarding an expansion of the safe zone radius. To date, the Level III (Alert) status recommendation maintains a 3-kilometer danger radius from the eruption center. The public, fishermen, and tourists are prohibited from approaching the area to avoid the risk of volcanic material ejection and pyroclastic flows.
The government also asked residents along the coasts of Banten and Lampung to remain calm and not fall for hoaxes regarding potential tsunamis. The public is expected to carry on with daily activities while continuing to monitor the situation through guidance from the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
