Mount Semeru, located on the border of Lumajang and Malang regencies, showed an increase in volcanic activity again on Sunday (28/6). According to reports from the Mount Semeru Observation Post, a significant eruption occurred at 11:37 WIB (Western Indonesian Time) with the ash column height observed reaching 1,000 meters above the peak, or approximately 4,676 meters above sea level.
Observation post officer Mukdas Sofian noted that the spewed ash column appeared white to gray with thick intensity, moving towards the southeast and south. This eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 millimeters and lasted for 170 seconds.
Prior to this main eruption, three other eruption sequences had been recorded since Sunday morning. The first eruption was detected at 05:35 WIB, followed by a second eruption at 06:32 WIB with a column height reaching 500 meters, and a third eruption at 09:11 WIB. Although some eruptions were not visually observed, seismic sensors consistently recorded the volcanic activity.
Currently, Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert) status. Relevant authorities have issued a strong warning to the public not to conduct any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, within a 13-kilometer radius from the eruption center.
In addition, residents are urged to maintain a safe distance of 500 meters from the riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan. This mitigation measure was taken in anticipation of the potential expansion of hot clouds and cold lava flows (lahars) that could reach distances of up to 17 kilometers from the mountain peak.
