Mount Semeru, located in Lumajang Regency, East Java, once again showed volcanic activity in the form of a hot cloud avalanche (APG) on Thursday (2/7/2026). This event was monitored through the Semeru Volcano Observation Post (PPGA) with an eruption duration of 6 minutes and 40 seconds and a maximum amplitude reaching 22 millimeters.
Visually, the highest volcano on the island of Java spewed ash as high as 1,500 meters from the peak of the Jonggring Saloko crater. The pyroclastic flow was recorded traveling as far as 4 kilometers towards the Besuk Kobokan sector. According to the official statement of the Chief Executive of the Lumajang Regency BPBD, Isnugroho, this phenomenon began to be detected by monitoring equipment at 16:37 WIB.
Although the pyroclastic flow has stopped, Isnugroho emphasized that the condition of residential areas around the mountain slopes remains conducive. To date, residents continue their daily routines normally. As a preventive measure, BPBD Lumajang has alerted a quick response team to anticipate the potential escalation of volcanic activity that might threaten the 8-kilometer radius area.
On the other hand, disaster management authorities continue to issue serious warnings about secondary potential due to the accumulation of volcanic material on the mountain slopes. Given that rainfall in the region remains quite high, the risk of cold lava floods (lahars) still looms over residents active around rivers originating from the peak of Semeru.
Currently, Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert) status. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) strongly urges the public to stay away from the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan within a 13-kilometer radius from the crater peak. Additionally, residents are strictly prohibited from conducting activities within a 500-meter radius from riverbanks along the flow path to avoid the danger of expanding pyroclastic flows and the threat of lahar floods.
