Mount Semeru, located in East Java, has once again shown high volcanic activity. On Tuesday morning (14/7/2026) at 09:19 WIB, the highest volcano on Java Island erupted, launching a column of volcanic ash reaching a height of around 1,300 meters above the summit.
According to official data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the volcanic ash column was observed ranging from white to dark gray, moving toward the east and northeast. This eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 23 millimeters and a duration of 116 seconds.
Prior to this morning's eruption, seismic observations between 00:00 and 06:00 WIB indicated fairly intensive activity. Officials recorded at least 16 eruption tremors, followed by 3 rockfall tremors, and 2 gust tremors. The volcano's alert level remains at Level III (Alert).
In response to these conditions, PVMBG issued safety recommendations for the local community. Residents are strictly prohibited from conducting any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan within a 13-kilometer radius from the eruption center. Furthermore, the public is advised to stay at least 500 meters away from the banks of the Besuk Kobokan River to avoid the threat of expanding pyroclastic flows and lahar flows that could potentially extend up to 17 kilometers.
Records from MAGMA Indonesia show that throughout 2026, Mount Semeru has been the most active volcano in the country. Of the 3,171 volcanic eruptions detected across Indonesia this year, Semeru contributed the largest share with 1,400 recorded eruptions.
