Ibu Volcano in North Maluku Erupts Again, Safe Distance Expanded to 3.5 km

Geology Agency head Lana Saria told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday that the latest volcanic activity at Gunung Ibu occurred again with ash being expelled at 00:49 WIT. The eruption produced an ash column roughly 400 metres above the summit, grey in colour with thick intensity leaning toward the northeast, she said, quoted by Antara on Wednesday 20 June 2026. Seismograms show the eruption had a maximum amplitude of 28 millimetres with a transient duration of about 52 seconds. The volcano’s activity level remains at Level II (Waspada).

In relation to this activity level, the Geological Agency issued strict recommendations for local communities, visitors and tourists not to undertake any activities within a two-kilometre radius of the active crater. If ash falls, people who must work outdoors are advised to immediately use respiratory protection such as a mask covering the nose and mouth and eye protection to prevent breathing difficulties and irritation. The Halmahera Barat Regency Government has been urged to enhance coordination with the Centre for Volcano Geology and Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) or the Gunung Ibu Monitoring Post in Gam Ici Village. Meanwhile, residents of Halmahera Island are advised to continue monitoring developments in the volcano’s activity through the government’s official Magma Indonesia app. Previously, Gunung Ibu erupted on Tuesday (19 May) morning, with the ash column reaching around 800 metres above the summit.