Geological Agency: Kelimutu Crater Landslide Unrelated to Volcanic Activity
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that a landslide on the cliff between Crater I (Tiwu Ata Polo) and Crater II (Tiwu Koofai Nuwamuri) of Mount Kelimutu, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is not linked to any increase in the volcano’s volcanic activity.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday that field inspection results showed the landslide occurred on part of the southern wall separating Crater I and Crater II.
The PVMBG team from the Geological Agency reported that the landslide was likely triggered by weathering processes and rock fractures that made the crater wall unstable.
According to Lana, the report was then cross-checked against visual and instrumental observations by officers up to 5 August 2026, which showed no increase in Mount Kelimutu’s activity.
“Monitoring also recorded no significant changes in seismic activity, crater water colour, or crater temperature that would indicate an increase in volcanic activity,” she said.
She explained that based on the monitoring results, the Geological Agency has maintained Mount Kelimutu’s status at Level I (Normal).
The stratovolcano, standing 1,384.5 metres above sea level, is one of the leading tourist destinations in Ende Regency with a relatively high number of visitors.
The Geological Agency has urged residents and tourists to limit activities around the crater area by not crossing the barrier fences, not approaching the crater lake rim, not approaching gas emission areas, and not camping overnight within the crater zone to avoid potential toxic gas hazards.
In addition, the regional government and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) have been asked to continue coordinating with the Mount Kelimutu Observation Post in Kolorongo Village, Waturaka District, Ende Regency, as well as with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) in monitoring the volcano’s condition.
The Geological Agency also urged the public to remain calm, not to be easily swayed by unverified information, and to follow official developments through the MAGMA Indonesia application or the Geological Agency’s official website.
“Evaluation of Mount Kelimutu’s activity level will be carried out periodically or at any time if significant changes occur. The Geological Agency emphasises that the public is expected to remain vigilant and follow the directives of the authorities to ensure collective safety,” Lana added.