Mount Semeru in East Java Erupts Five Times in One Day, Ash Columns Up to 700m

Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java Island located on the border of Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, erupted five times in the early hours of Monday local time. The first eruption occurred at 00:18 local time with an ash column reaching approximately 500 meters above the summit. Subsequent eruptions followed at 00:31 (about 700m), 01:46 (about 600m), 05:50 (about 300m, toward the southwest), and 07:56 (about 700m, toward the southeast, recorded on seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22mm and duration of 120 seconds). The ash columns were observed as white to gray in color with moderate to thick density.

According to Liswanto, an officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, the volcano's activity remains at Alert Level III (Siaga). Authorities have recommended that the public avoid any activity within 13 kilometers of the crater along the Besuk Kobokan river to the southeast. Beyond that zone, activity should also be avoided within 500 meters of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan, due to the risk of hot cloud expansion and lava flows extending up to 17 kilometers from the summit. Additionally, a 5-kilometer radius around the crater is off-limits due to the danger of rock projectiles.

Authorities have also urged vigilance regarding potential hot clouds, lava avalanches, and lahar flows along river valleys originating from the summit, particularly Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, as well as smaller tributaries of Besuk Kobokan.

Note that Mount Semeru is located on Java Island, across the sea from Bali, and this eruption does not directly affect tourism or daily life in Bali. However, travelers with itineraries that include East Java should stay informed of the situation.