Mount Semeru, located in East Java, showed renewed intensive volcanic activity on Friday, July 3, 2026. Data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) recorded a series of eruptions occurring in a short period, peaking with an ash column reaching 1,300 meters above the crater at 09:48 WIB, followed by a subsequent eruption reaching 1,000 meters high at 10:18 WIB.
In addition to visual activity, seismic monitoring instruments recorded a significant sequence of seismic activity, including 11 eruption earthquakes, five rockfall earthquakes, and five gust earthquakes. Given these seismic records, volcanological authorities decided to maintain Mount Semeru's status at Level III (Alert).
Authorities emphasized the importance of public compliance with safety protocols. A safe radius has been established 5 kilometers from the summit to avoid the danger of incandescent rock projections. Furthermore, residents are prohibited from approaching within 500 meters of the riverbanks of Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat to anticipate the threat of pyroclastic flows and cold lava floods that could travel up to 17 kilometers from the crater.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that although the volcanic system is currently in a relaxation phase without extreme pressure spikes, the risk of instability remains. The public is urged to continue monitoring official updates and remain vigilant against potential secondary threats such as lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows that often occur suddenly.
