ISTANBUL — Mount Semeru continued to demonstrate heightened volcanic activity after six eruptions were recorded on Sunday morning, releasing ash clouds up to 1,200 metres above the crater. The eruptions reinforced concerns that Indonesia’s tallest volcano in Java remains in an unstable phase.
Semeru, straddling the Lumajang-Malang border, remains at Alert Level III, signalling ongoing danger. Authorities emphasised that the volcano has been persistently active in recent years, requiring communities to remain vigilant.
According to monitoring officer Liswanto, seismic and visual observations confirmed multiple ash emissions beginning just before dawn. He noted that the ash plumes varied in intensity and height, a sign of fluctuating internal volcanic energy.
Indonesia’s PVMBG has continued to enforce strict exclusion zones, prohibiting activity within five kilometres of the summit and up to 13 kilometres along the vulnerable Besuk Kobokan path to the southeast. These areas are deemed highly dangerous due to potential rock ejections, pyroclastic flows and lava movement.
Residents have been urged to take precautionary measures, including limiting outdoor exposure, preparing emergency supplies and paying close attention to official updates. Respiratory health concerns arise from prolonged ash exposure, while agricultural and environmental impacts are also being assessed.
Semeru’s volatile condition requires continuous monitoring, and authorities remain prepared for possible evacuations should activity intensify further. With previous eruptions having caused serious damage in the past, disaster preparedness remains a key priority.
For now, authorities continue to call for calm but responsibility — reminding communities that while life continues as normal, readiness is essential.