The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has firmly denied the authenticity of a video showing an eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau from a ship, which has been widely circulating on social media. Authorities stated that the footage, lasting less than a minute, is a hoax and does not represent actual conditions in the Sunda Strait waters at present.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that after technical verification, the recording was proven not to be recent eruptive activity. Based on monitoring data from the geological team, Mount Anak Krakatau's activity in recent days consisted only of minor eruptions with an ash column height of about 200 meters above the peak, specifically those occurring on July 2 and 3, 2026.
In addition to setting the record straight regarding the video, the Geological Agency also clarified misleading information regarding the expansion of the safety radius. As of now, Mount Anak Krakatau's status remains at Level III (Siaga/Alert), with the recommended hazard zone remaining at a 3-kilometer radius from the eruption center. The public, fishermen, and tourists are strictly prohibited from carrying out activities within this zone to avoid the threat of incandescent rock ejection, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall.
The government also urges residents along the Banten and Lampung coasts not to be provoked by misleading rumors linking this volcanic activity to a potential tsunami threat. The public is asked to remain calm and use the official PVMBG website and the MAGMA Indonesia application as the sole sources of accurate and reliable information.
