The Ministry of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia recently issued a firm clarification regarding circulating misleading information claiming that Mount Anak Krakatau experienced a major eruption at night. The information had caused public anxiety as it was accompanied by dramatic narratives lacking any data validity from volcano monitoring authorities.
Based on fact-checking results and coordination with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), it was confirmed that no extreme volcanic activity occurred as described in the social media posts. Videos or photos often paired with these false claims are suspected to be old footage redistributed by irresponsible parties with misleading timestamps.
The government urges the public to remain calm and always refer to official information channels before spreading news about natural disasters. Relying on data from competent authorities is crucial to avoiding collective panic triggered by deliberately manipulated fake news (hoaxes).
To date, monitoring of Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic activity continues intensively by relevant agencies. The public is asked not to easily believe sensational content and to always verify all information through official government websites or official disaster information apps.
