Mount Semeru once again showed an increase in volcanic activity on Wednesday (8/7/2026) morning. Based on data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), 14 eruption earthquakes were recorded, with a volcanic ash column rising to a height of approximately 900 meters above the mountain peak.
The main eruption was observed at 08:43 WIB. Seismograph records showed a maximum amplitude of 22 millimeters with an eruption duration of 126 seconds. Although the weather conditions around the location were observed to be clear to cloudy, the peak of the mountain was temporarily covered by thin fog, limiting the visibility of the crater smoke.
In addition to the dominating eruption activity, instrumental monitoring also recorded other seismic activities, including three avalanche earthquakes, four gust earthquakes, and one distant tectonic earthquake. These dynamics confirm that the highest mountain on the island of Java is still in an active phase requiring special attention.
In response to these conditions, authorities have reinstated the exclusion zone for both residents and tourists. People are prohibited from conducting activities within a 5-kilometer radius of Mount Semeru's peak to avoid the risk of incandescent rock projections. Furthermore, activities in the southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan riverbed are restricted up to a distance of 13 kilometers from the eruption center.
Residents living near river flows originating from the peak of Semeru, such as Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, are urged to increase vigilance against the potential of hot clouds, lava flows, and lahar threats during heavy rainfall. PVMBG urges residents to continue monitoring official information and not to be provoked by rumors whose truth cannot be verified.
