Volcanic activity at Mount Semeru in East Java has increased once again. On Friday (12/6/2026) at 00:37 WIB early in the morning, the tallest volcano on Java Island was recorded erupting again, spewing a column of ash up to 900 meters above the peak, or about 4,576 meters above sea level.
Based on a report from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the observed ash column was white to gray with moderate intensity, drifting toward the south. As of the release of the official report, eruptive activity is monitored to be ongoing.
As of now, Mount Semeru's status remains at Level III (Alert). Seismic monitoring data for the period of June 12, 2026, from 18:00 to 23:59 WIB showed a significant surge in activity, with 20 eruption earthquakes, 4 avalanche earthquakes, and 7 gust earthquakes recorded.
Responding to these conditions, the PVMBG reiterated the ban on public activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, within a 13-kilometer radius of the eruption center. Additionally, residents are prohibited from carrying out activities within 500 meters of the riverbanks along that path to anticipate the threat of pyroclastic flows and lahar flows that could reach a distance of 17 kilometers.
Statistical records from MAGMA Indonesia show that throughout 2026, Mount Semeru was the most active volcano in Indonesia, with a total of 1,235 recorded eruptions out of a total of 2,553 volcanic eruptions across the country.
