Mount Semeru, located in East Java, has once again shown intense volcanic activity. On Wednesday (8/7/2026) at 19:38 WIB, the highest volcano on Java Island reportedly erupted, launching an ash column up to 400 meters above the peak.
Based on data released by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the observed ash column was white to gray with moderate intensity, moving toward the north. As of the report's preparation, the volcanic activity status remains at Level III (Alert).
PVMBG records show a significant increase in activity frequency, with Mount Semeru having erupted 21 times in just the past week. Specifically, during the observation period from 12:00 to 18:00 WIB on the same day, 13 eruption earthquakes were recorded with amplitudes reaching up to 22 millimeters.
Authorities have strictly prohibited residents from conducting activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan within a 13-kilometer radius from the eruption center. In addition, the public is asked to maintain a safe distance of 500 meters from the riverbanks along this channel to anticipate the risk of pyroclastic flows and lahar flows.
Nationally, Mount Semeru is recorded as the most active volcano throughout 2026. Out of a total of 3,035 volcanic eruptions recorded across Indonesia from early January to July 8, 2026, Mount Semeru accounted for the highest number of eruptions with a total of 1,353 events.
