January 14, 2026 | 09:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2026, Mount Semeru emitted a series of pyroclastic flows. The Mount Semeru Volcano Observation Post (PGA) at Gunung Sawur reported that seismic tremors from the flow were recorded on the seismograph with an amplitude of 20 mm and a duration of 2,316 seconds.
This surge in activity marks the highest volcanic intensity recorded on Java’s tallest peak over a six-hour observation window between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. WIB.
Isnugroho, the Acting Head of the Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), confirmed that two major pyroclastic flows occurred on Wednesday. The first began at 11:25 a.m. WIB, covering a sliding distance of 5 kilometers and lasting an hour.
The second flow was recorded at 4:29 p.m. WIB, also traveling 5 kilometers before stopping at 4:55 p.m. WIB. "The activity level of Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert)," Isnugroho told Tempo on Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the pyroclastic tremors, the observation post in Gunung Sawur also recorded significant seismic activity, including 31 eruption earthquakes with amplitudes ranging from 10 to 22 mm and durations of 54 to 177 seconds. Additionally, the post detected two avalanche earthquakes, one blast, and a harmonic tremor. Notably, a flood vibration was also recorded with an amplitude of 25 mm and a duration of 3,705 seconds, signaling the movement of volcanic materials through water channels.
With the volcano remaining at the "Alert" status, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued strict safety recommendations.
Residents and tourists are prohibited from any activities in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan, up to 13 kilometers from the summit. Beyond that point, the public is urged to stay at least 500 meters away from riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan, as pyroclastic flows and lahar (volcanic mudflows) could potentially extend as far as 17 kilometers from the crater.
Furthermore, a 5-kilometer exclusion zone has been established around the crater due to the risk of projected volcanic rock. PVMBG has warned residents to remain vigilant against the potential for further pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and lahar along river valleys originating from the summit, particularly Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat. Authorities also highlighted the risk of lahar flooding in smaller tributaries that feed into the main Besuk Kobokan channel.
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