The Lumajang Regency Government officially stated that the video of the Mount Semeru eruption circulating widely on social media, particularly via the YouTube channel @bencanapopuler since July 3, 2026, is false information or a hoax.
Head of Executive for Lumajang Regency BPBD, Isnugroho, emphasized that the content misleads the public because the narrative does not align with actual volcanic activity data recorded by the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG). He called on the public to remain calm and not be provoked by unverified posts.
Verification results by the BPBD team against the MAGMA Indonesia system showed a discrepancy between the video footage and official Semeru activity reports. Based on PVMBG data, although Mount Semeru did erupt in early July 2026, the narrative included in the viral video was proven to be manipulative.
Currently, Mount Semeru remains at Alert Level III (Siaga). The public is urged to comply with safety recommendations, including a prohibition on activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan up to 13 kilometers from the peak, as well as a five-kilometer radius from the main crater.
To avoid panic and the spread of disinformation, the public is expected to use only official information channels from PVMBG, Lumajang BPBD, and the Lumajang Regency Government as their primary reference. Improving digital literacy is considered crucial so that residents can distinguish accurate information from potentially alarming content during this disaster alert period.
