A short video showing a powerful eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has suddenly gone viral on social media. In the 10-second clip, thick plumes of smoke accompanied by glowing red fire are seen in the dark of night, with the setting onboard a ship.
The video spread widely with a narrative claiming the footage was captured directly by a ship crew member at 8:49 PM WIB. The dramatic visuals briefly triggered public concern regarding volcanic activity in the Sunda Strait region.
Responding to this concern, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) quickly issued a firm clarification. The authorities confirmed that the circulating video is a hoax and is definitely not Mount Anak Krakatau.
PVMBG's analysis shows that the visual is a result of the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Technical anomalies are clearly visible on the phone screen recording within the video, which does not capture real volcanic activity. Thus, the public is urged to be wiser in filtering information and not easily provoked by manipulative content circulating online.
