Frans Seda Maumere Airport Remains Closed Due to Mount Lewotobi Eruption
Frans Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere remains closed as of Monday (8/6) due to the impact of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The closure, which has been in effect since Saturday (6/6), was implemented considering flight safety and security factors.
Sutrisno, Acting General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (Persero) at El Tari International Airport Kupang, stated that the airport has not yet resumed operations because it is still affected by the volcanic activity of Mount Lewotlag Laki-laki. “Frans Seda Airport in Maumere remains closed as of today due to flight safety and security considerations,” said Sutrisno on Monday.
In addition to the impact on Frans Seda Airport, the dispersal of volcanic ash from the eruption has also caused several airlines to cancel flights to and from El Tari International Airport in Kupang. This measure was taken as a mitigation step to maintain the safety and security of flight operations. However, Sutrisno ensured that operations at El Tari International Airport are currently running normally, with passenger services and other flight activities proceeding according to established procedures.
Meanwhile, the volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki continues to show an increase. According to reports from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post between 06:00 and 12:00 WITA on Monday, several volcanic and tectonic earthquakes were recorded, indicating that the volcano remains active. The observer, Herman Yosef S. Mboro, reported that during this six-hour period, three eruption earthquakes occurred with amplitudes of 29.6 to 47.3 millimetres and durations of 71 to 155 seconds. Additionally, five non-harmonic tremor earthquakes, one low-frequency earthquake, and significant tectonic activity were recorded.
In response to these conditions, the public and tourists are advised to avoid all activities within a five-kilometre radius of the centre of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption. Residents are also urged to remain calm, follow local government directives, and avoid unverified information. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has also warned of the potential for cold lava floods in rivers originating from the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki during periods of high-intensity rainfall.