Geological Agency Debunks Viral Video of Anak Krakatau Eruption as Hoax
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed that a video circulating on social media, which was linked to an eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, is false or a hoax. Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that Mount Anak Krakatau is a Type A active volcano located in the waters of the Sunda Strait and administratively falls under South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The volcano’s activity is monitored through two observation posts, one in Kalianda, South Lampung, and another in Pasauran, Serang, Banten.
Historically, the area experienced a major eruption in 1883 that triggered a tsunami. More recently, an eruption and flank collapse on 22 December 2018 also caused a tsunami in the Sunda Strait. Following that event, a series of low-scale eruptions continued as part of the reconstruction phase of Mount Anak Krakatau until 16 December 2023. An eruption pause has been ongoing since then.
Despite this, low-energy magmatic activity is still being monitored. The agency confirmed that the video being circulated does not match the current conditions. “After verification, the video is not a recording of a current eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, so the information is a hoax,” Lana stated. Based on monitoring data, Mount Anak Krakatau experienced two eruptions since 2 July 2026, specifically on 2 July 2026 at 14:05 WIB and on 3 July 2026 at 11:50 WIB.
The public is urged not to believe or disseminate unverified videos. All official information regarding Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity is conveyed exclusively through the official channels of the Geological Agency, the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), and MAGMA Indonesia. The agency also clarified that information suggesting a recommended exclusion zone of 5 kilometres is incorrect. The official recommendation currently in effect prohibits the public, tourists, and fishermen from conducting activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the eruption centre.
The technical recommendations for Level III (Alert) of Mount Anak Krakatau are as follows: 1. Communities around Mount Anak Krakatau and visitors, tourists, or climbers are not permitted to enter or conduct activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the activity centre and must increase vigilance against the threat of pyroclastic flows, lava, incandescent rock ejections, and heavy ashfall. 2. Coastal communities in Banten and Lampung Provinces are advised to remain calm, not believe rumours about an eruption causing a tsunami, and continue normal activities while following directives from local disaster management agencies (BPBD). 3. For information, the public can contact the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Geological Agency at (022) 7272606 in Bandung, West Java Province, or the Mount Krakatau Observation Post at (0254) 651449 or 08584632490 in Pasauran, Banten Province. 4. The public, local governments, and relevant agencies can monitor the development of activity and recommendations for Mount Anak Krakatau through the PVMBG application or website.