The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has issued a stern advisory for tourists visiting the Mount Kelimutu area in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The public and visitors are asked not to approach the crater rim, especially at Crater II or Tiwu Ko'ofai Nuwamuri, to minimize safety risks from potential phreatic eruptions that could occur suddenly.
This instruction was issued following technical monitoring results on July 4, 2026, which recorded a decrease in water temperature in Crater II from 35 degrees Celsius to 33.2 degrees Celsius. Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that the temperature drop was observed to be stable compared to measurement data from late June. Despite the decrease in temperature, the lake's water color has remained a consistent light green since mid-June 2026.
Lana Saria added that the temperature fluctuation was not accompanied by significant changes in seismic activity or the intensity of gas emissions on the lake surface. Currently, Mount Kelimutu's volcanic activity status remains at Level I (Normal). For information, Crater Lake I is turquoise green, Crater II is light green, and Crater III is dark green.
In response to high visitor interest in this tourist destination, geological authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to safe zoning. The Geological Agency also encouraged local governments and the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to maintain intensive coordination with the Mount Kelimutu Volcano Observatory in Waturaka Village to ensure disaster mitigation runs effectively and preventively.
