Volcanic activity on Mount Semeru in East Java has increased again. On Tuesday (14/7/2026) morning at 06:51 WIB, the highest mountain on Java Island was reported to have erupted, spewing an ash column approximately 1,200 meters above the peak, or about 4,876 meters above sea level.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) confirmed that the observed volcanic ash column was white to gray with thick intensity. The thick ash plume was observed drifting toward the northeast and east. This seismic activity was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 19 millimeters and an eruption duration of approximately 1 minute and 43 seconds.
Following the incident, PVMBG maintained Mount Semeru's status at Level III (Alert). Authorities issued strict recommendations urging the public and tourists not to conduct any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, up to 13 kilometers from the eruption center.
Beyond this safe distance, residents are also prohibited from carrying out activities within a 500-meter radius from the riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan. This is due to the potential threat of expanding pyroclastic flows and lahar flows that could reach up to 17 kilometers from the summit. A strict ban on activities also applies within a 5-kilometer radius of the active crater to avoid the hazard of incandescent rock projectiles.
Finally, PVMBG reminded the public to remain vigilant against potential secondary hazards such as pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and cold lahar floods. These threats pose a high risk along river courses originating from the peak of Semeru, particularly along the routes of Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, Besuk Sat, and surrounding tributary areas.
