en.malanginspirasi.com – Mount Semeru erupts on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11:10 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) according to the information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).
Its activity remains at Level III (Alert) status asurged the public to remain calm, increase vigilance in order to reduce the risk of disasters.
The eruption produced an ash column approximately 1,200 meters above the summit, or approximately 4,876 meters above sea level.
The observation of ash column is white to gray in color with moderate intensity and moving northeastward.
Isnugroho, Head of the Lumajang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), stated that volcano observation officers and relevant agencies keep monitoring the Mount Semeru’s activity intensively to ensure rapid and accurate information on developments.
He advised the public not to panic about the volcanic activity.
However, they must remain vigilance by following official information and complying with all established recommendations.
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“The public does not need to panic. The most important thing is to understand the established recommendations and avoid activities in zones declared at risk by the PVMBG,” said Isnugroho in Lumajang Regency, East Java Province, on Thursday (June 18, 2026).
Isnugroho explained that Level III or Alert status does not mean the entire Lumajang Regency is in a dangerous condition.
Activity restrictions only apply to certain areas designated as vulnerable zones based on monitoring and technical volcanological studies.
Therefore, people outside the vulnerable areas can continue their daily activities as usual while still paying attention to official information from the PVMBG and the local government.
“Preparedness does not mean fear, but rather understanding the conditions and knowing what steps to take if there is increased volcanic activity,” he added.
Public
Currently, the PVMBG recommends that the public avoid any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, 13 kilometers from the eruption peak.
Beyond this distance, it is advisable for residents to refrain from activities within a 500-meter radius of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential impact of expanding pyroclastic flows and lava flows.
Furthermore, residents are prohibited from conducting activities within a five-kilometer radius of the crater or summit of Mount Semeru due to the potential impact of ejected incandescent material.
Residents are also asked to increase their vigilance regarding the potential for pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and lahars in rivers that originate in the summit area of Mount Semeru.
According to Isnugroho, compliance with safety recommendations is the most effective step in minimizing disaster risk.
