Mount Ibu, located in North Maluku, showed renewed volcanic activity by erupting on Wednesday (15/7/2026) at 13:32 WIT. This event adds to a continuous series of volcanic activities, with reports indicating it has erupted 14 times over the past week.
According to a report from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia system, the ash column from this eruption was not visually observed. At the time the report was released, volcanic activity inside Mount Ibu's crater was reported to be ongoing, maintaining Level II or "Waspada" (Alert) status.
Seismic data throughout the day indicates fairly high intensity in the region. PVMBG recorded at least 91 eruption earthquakes with amplitudes ranging from 10 to 28 millimeters and durations of up to 78 seconds. In addition, one emission earthquake and ten harmonic earthquakes were detected, signaling magma movement below the surface.
In anticipation of potential hazards that could escalate at any time, authorities are urging local residents and tourists to avoid any activities within a 2-kilometer safety radius from the active crater. This restriction is also extended sectorally up to 3.5 kilometers toward the northern crater opening.
Throughout 2026, volcanic activity in Indonesia has been highly active, with a total of 3,282 eruptions recorded across the country. Mount Ibu ranks as the second most active volcano in Indonesia with 1,074 recorded eruptions, right behind Mount Semeru in East Java, which holds the top spot with 1,438 eruptions.
