Geology Agency Addresses Tsunami Potential from Repeated Anak Krakatau Eruptions
The Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Lana Saria, stated that not all eruptions of Mount Anak Krakatau can trigger a tsunami. The Geological Agency continues to monitor the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau closely.
This was Lana’s response to questions regarding whether current activity at Mount Anak Krakatau could trigger a tsunami similar to the 2018 event. She explained the difference between the eruptions occurring in 2026 and the Sunda Strait tsunami of 2018.
“Not every eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau will trigger a tsunami. The Sunda Strait tsunami on 22 December 2018 was primarily related to the collapse of a large volume of the volcano’s body into the sea, rather than solely being caused by the eruption column,” Lana said during an online press conference on Sunday (6/9/2026).
“A portion of the volcano’s body on a certain side collapsed in 2018. Subsequently, it has undergone regrowth and morphological changes due to subsequent eruptive activity,” she added.
She stated that, based on monitoring by the ESDM Geological Agency, the base shape of Mount Anak Krakatau does not show significant changes compared to previous mapping. Lana noted that Mount Anak Krakatau is not experiencing a collapse on a scale that could trigger a tsunami.
“Based on the latest morphological mapping, the base shape of the volcano’s body and its main crater does not show clear, significant changes compared to previous mapping. Based on evaluations to date, the growth of the body of Mount Anak Krakatau, which reformed after the 22 December 2018 eruption, is still relatively small and does not have the potential to undergo a collapse on a scale that could trigger a tsunami,” she revealed.
Nevertheless, the ESDM Geological Agency continues to conduct intensive monitoring of Mount Anak Krakatau. Changes in the volcano’s morphology remain a key focus of attention.
“Nonetheless, developments in activity and morphological changes continue to be monitored intensively,” she added.