Volcanic activity at Mount Ibu in North Maluku has shown a renewed increase after an eruption was reported on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at precisely 16:30 WIT. This event adds to the series of volcanic activity of the mountain, which has recorded 12 eruptions within the past week alone.
According to a report from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia system, an ash column was observed rising to a height of approximately 200 meters above the peak, reaching 1,525 meters above sea level. The dispersal of thick gray volcanic ash was reported heading toward the northeast sector.
As of now, Mount Ibu's activity status remains at Level II (Alert). Seismic records during the observation period on July 7, 2026, showed fairly intense activity, with 78 eruption earthquakes, 13 harmonic earthquakes, and 75 low frequency earthquakes detected. The high frequency of seismic activity indicates that the volcano's magma chamber remains very active.
In response to these conditions, the PVMBG issued strict instructions to local residents and tourists. Residents are requested not to engage in any activities within a 2-kilometer radius of the crater center. Additionally, a sectoral expansion of 3.5 kilometers toward the northern crater opening has been declared an off-limits zone for public safety.
Data from MAGMA Indonesia notes that Mount Ibu is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia throughout 2026. As of early July, the volcano has recorded 1,006 eruptions, ranking second for the highest frequency of eruptions after Mount Semeru in East Java, which recorded 1,342 eruptions.
