Krakatoa Eruptions Have Ceased, Geological Experts Issue New Warning
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed that the series of eruptions involving continuous lava fountains officially ceased on Sunday, 6 September 2026, at 00:04 WIB.
Previously, the active volcano in the Sunda Strait waters had been experiencing continuous eruptions accompanied by rumbling sounds, explosions, and lava fountains since 4 September 2026, at 23:00 WIB.
The Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that the lava fountain phenomenon is a characteristic feature of Anak Krakatau and is common in volcanoes with relatively low magma viscosity.
Eruption Traces and Volcanic Ash Dispersion
Historically, a series of small-scale eruptions continued following the tsunami event on 22 December 2018 through to the end of 2023. Activity increased again when the status of Anak Krakatau was raised from Level 2 (Alert) to Level 3 (Standby) effective from 2 July 2026.
The impact of the eruptions occurring on 4 to 5 September 2026 was felt in several areas of West Java, manifesting as loud booms and vibrations in windows and doors of residents’ homes. Based on time synchronisation and monitoring station data, these phenomena were confirmed to originate from low-frequency acoustic waves caused by the eruption, which are capable of travelling long distances under certain atmospheric conditions—similar to previous eruptions of Mount Kelud or Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
Meanwhile, combined information from PVMBG via MAGMA Indonesia, VAAC Darwin, and satellite imagery analysis from Himawari-9 by BMKG shows that the distribution of volcanic ash is currently moving towards Banten, parts of West Java, DKI Jakarta, Lampung, and Bengkulu.
Recommendations and Official Information Services
In response to these volcanic activity dynamics, the Geological Agency has issued several important recommendations for the public:
3-Kilometre Red Zone: The public, visitors, tourists, and hikers are strictly prohibited from any activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the centre of Anak Krakatau’s crater activity.
Volcanic Ash Mitigation: Residents in affected areas are advised to reduce outdoor activities and must wear masks to avoid ash exposure.
Beware of Hoaxes: The public is urged to remain calm and not be easily provoked by information or eruption rumours from unverified sources.
For those requiring official and accurate information regarding Anak Krakatau’s activity, the Geological Agency provides communication services through the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation in Bandung (022-7272606) and the Krakatau Volcano Observation Post in Banten (0254-651449).