Furore Over Blora Mud Eruption Resembling Lapindo, Geological Agency Speaks Out

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has spoken out regarding the mud eruption phenomenon in the Oro-oro Kesongo area, Blora, Central Java. The phenomenon occurred on Friday (7/8/2026) and at first glance resembled the Lapindo mudflow in Sidoarjo, with video uploads circulating widely on social media.

Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of ESDM Lana Saria explained that her agency is currently gathering information to ascertain the geological conditions and has not yet conducted direct verification in the field. The agency continues to evaluate before drawing conclusions about the danger level of the mud eruption.

“Regarding information on the mud eruption in the Oro-oro Kesongo area, Blora, we are currently still gathering information and have not conducted direct verification in the field,” she told CNBC Indonesia on Monday (10/8/2026).

The Oro-oro Kesongo area itself is geologically recorded as an area known for the phenomenon of mud and gas emerging from beneath the earth’s surface. Eruption activity in this area is known to occur periodically with varying intensity.

“In general, Oro-oro Kesongo is an area known for geological phenomena in the form of mud and gas emerging from beneath the surface. Eruption activity can occur periodically with varying intensity,” she explained.

At present, the agency cannot yet provide conclusions regarding the danger level or the detailed conditions of the incident currently circulating on social media. The agency is still awaiting primary data acquisition and verification results at the location to determine the next handling steps.

“Regarding the danger level and the conditions of the incident currently circulating on social media, we cannot yet conclude before obtaining data and field verification results,” she added.

As a preventive measure, the public and visitors are asked not to approach the eruption point to avoid the risk of being hit by ejected material. Field supervision will also be tightened through coordination with the local government so that residents continue to follow the instructions of local officers.

“For the time being, the public and visitors are urged not to approach the eruption point, especially when eruption activity is ongoing, and to follow the directions of the local government and officers,” Lana concluded.