Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java Island, once again showed intense volcanic activity on Wednesday (1/7/2026). Throughout the day, the volcano located on the border of Lumajang and Malang Regencies was recorded to have erupted four times, with the highest eruption column reaching one kilometer above the peak.
Mount Semeru Observation Post officer, Sigit Rian Alfian, reported that this series of eruptions began in the early hours of the morning at 00:52 WIB. The first eruption spewed an ash column 700 meters high towards the northeast. Volcanic activity continued at 08:14 WIB, 09:24 WIB, and reached its peak at 10:10 WIB with the column height reaching 1,000 meters. All of these events were clearly recorded on the seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 mm.
To date, the Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) stated that there have been no reports regarding the impact of volcanic ash distribution in residential areas. Nevertheless, the Chief Executive of Lumajang BPBD, Isnugroho, emphasized that residents must remain vigilant against the potential of hot clouds and lahar flows that could occur at any time.
Currently, Mount Semeru remains at Status Level III or Alert. The public is strictly prohibited from carrying out activities within a five-kilometer radius of the main crater due to the danger of incandescent rock ejecta. In addition, residents are also urged to avoid the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, which are the main paths for lava flows and lahars.
