Despite temperature drop, tourists urged to avoid Kelimutu crater area
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has asked tourists to stay away from the crater area of Mount Kelimutu in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, even though the water temperature of the lake in Crater II, known as Tiwu Ko’ofai Nuwamuri, has decreased. Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria stated in Jakarta on Sunday that based on the latest measurements, the water temperature in the crater dropped from 35 degrees Celsius to 33.2 degrees Celsius. The temperature decrease was obtained from field measurements and observations conducted by the agency’s technical team on 4 July 2026, compared with previous measurement data from 30 June 2026. Despite the drop in water temperature, the Geological Agency noted that the colour of the lake water in Crater II showed no change and has maintained a consistent light green hue since mid-June 2026. Furthermore, Lana Saria confirmed that the downward trend in water temperature at Crater II was not accompanied by significant changes in seismic activity or the height of smoke above the crater lake’s surface. To date, the volcanic activity level of the mountain, famous for the beauty of its three-coloured crater lakes, remains at Level I with a Normal status. Considering that Mount Kelimutu is a volcanic tourist destination with a high number of visitors, the Geological Agency has issued several important recommendations to safeguard public safety. Residents around Mount Kelimutu as well as visitors and tourists are urged not to approach the crater rim area, particularly at Crater II, to increase vigilance against the potential for phreatic eruptions that can occur at any time. The Geological Agency also requested the local government together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency to continue enhancing coordination with the Kelimutu Volcano Observation Post in Kolorongo Hamlet, Waturaka Village, Ende Regency, as well as the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.