The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially raised the activity status of Mount Anak Krakatau from Level II (Vigilance) to Level III (Alert). This strategic decision, effective since Thursday (7/2/2026) at 16:30 WIB, was made following the detection of a significant surge in volcanic activity, including the movement of magma toward the surface.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that the status escalation was based on comprehensive monitoring, ranging from visual and instrumental data to satellite imagery. Since early June 2026, an increase in sulfur dioxide gas emissions, thermal anomalies, and a higher frequency of shallow volcanic earthquakes indicating magma dynamics beneath the volcano have been recorded.
The peak of this increased activity occurred on Thursday afternoon, when the volcano erupted, spewing a column of volcanic ash up to 200 meters high. Seismograph data recorded a maximum amplitude of 23 millimeters, accompanied by indications of mountain body inflation based on observations from the Tanjung Tiltmeter Station.
In response to these conditions, relevant authorities issued a strict prohibition barring the public, fishermen, and tourists from entering a 3-kilometer radius of the crater center. This radius is deemed hazardous due to the potential ejection of volcanic material and the risk of follow-up eruptions occurring at any time.
Head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Monitoring Post, Andi Suwardi, urged the public to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverified information. The Geological Agency assured that it will maintain 24-hour continuous surveillance and periodically evaluate the situation to ensure the safety of residents around the affected area.
