Blue Fire Phenomenon at Mount Papandayan Extinguished, Climbers Advised to Avoid Craters

The Geological Agency, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), has revealed that the blue fire phenomenon at Mount Papandayan has extinguished. However, visitors and climbers are still requested to remain cautious and avoid approaching several of the craters.

“Based on monitoring results up to 26 September 2026, the light from the flames previously observed in the Kawah Manuk area is no longer visible,” stated the Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, in an official statement released on Monday (28/9/2026).

He noted that the blue fire phenomenon at Mount Papandayan previously occurred on 22 February 2023 and 12 July 2025 on the walls of new craters. Most recently, the blue fire was observed in the early hours of 24 September, appearing in the Kawah Manuk area, which is an active crater on Mount Papandayan.

“The appearance of blue fire at the lava manifestation site in the Kawah Manuk complex indicates a sufficiently high release of heat capable of causing the combustion of surface materials,” he explained.

He continued, adding that powder resembling combustion ash was found around the location, suspected to be related to the heating or burning of surface materials due to heat exposure. Meanwhile, Kawah Mas, which is located near the new heat manifestation site, showed no significant change in gas ratios.

“Based on gas ratio data, there are no indications of significant changes in the hydrothermal system beneath Mount Papandayan that can be linked to the emergence of new heat manifestations in the Kawah Manuk complex,” he concluded.