Mount Semeru Erupts Early Friday, Status is Alert

Mount Semeru in East Java erupted again early Friday (January 16, 2026) at 01:38 AM WIB. In the last week, Mount Semeru has erupted 35 times.

Based on eruption information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the height of the observed ash column reached 800 meters above the peak (4,476 meters above sea level).

The observed ash column was white with moderate intensity, heading north. The eruption of Mount Semeru was still ongoing when this report was made.

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According to MAGMA Indonesia's volcano activity report, Mount Semeru's activity level is at Level III (Alert). Seismic observations on January 16, 2026, from 06:00 PM to 11:59 PM WIB showed 35 eruption tremors/eruptions with amplitudes of 15-22 millimeters and durations of 55-150 seconds.

Additionally, there were 5 avalanche tremors with amplitudes of 2-6 mm and durations of 34-78 seconds, and 2 exhalation tremors with amplitudes of 3-6 millimeters and durations of 47-67 seconds.

PVMBG advises against any activity in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan, as far as 13 kilometers from the peak (eruption center). Beyond this distance, people should not engage in activities within 500 meters from the riverbanks (river borders) along Besuk Kobokan, as there is a potential for expansion of hot clouds and lava flows up to 17 kilometers from the peak.

Throughout 2026, MAGMA Indonesia has recorded 217 volcanic eruptions across Indonesia. Mount Semeru in East Java had the most eruptions, with 124 occurrences.

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