The Lumajang Regency Government has officially refuted the veracity of a video regarding the eruption of Mount Semeru that has recently circulated widely on various social media platforms. The video, uploaded by the YouTube account @bencanapopuler, is deemed to contain a misleading narrative that could potentially trigger public anxiety regarding the activity of the tallest mountain on Java Island.
The Chief Executive of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency, Isnugroho, emphasized that the viral content is misleading information. His office urges the public to improve digital literacy by not sharing unverified content to avoid unnecessary panic in the community.
After a thorough verification by BPBD Lumajang, referencing the MAGMA Indonesia system of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), discrepancies were found between the visuals in the video and the actual report of the mountain's activity. Although Mount Semeru did record eruptive activity on July 3 and 4, 2026, the narrative accompanying the video was confirmed to be inaccurate.
Currently, Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert) status. PVMBG has established a no-activity zone in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, spanning 13 kilometers from the peak, as well as a five-kilometer radius from the crater area. Residents are urged to remain vigilant against the threats of hot clouds, lava flows, and lahars.
The local government hopes that the public will always use the official channels of PVMBG, BPBD, and the official website of the Lumajang Regency Government as their primary reference in monitoring the development of volcanic activity. Public vigilance based on factual data is key to the success of disaster mitigation in the region.
