Lewotobi Eruption, Fatal Fire in East Sumba, and Assault in Lombok: Weekly Summary
Several significant events occurred in Nusa Tenggara (Nusra) between 1–7 June 2026, ranging from the eruption of Mount Lewotlagi to fatal incidents in Sumba and Lombok.
Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Disrupting Flights
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has been erupting since Friday (5/6/2026). Herman Yosep S Mboro, an observer at the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki monitoring post, stated that the eruption produced an ash column 2.5 kilometres above the peak, or more than 4 kilometres above sea level. The grey ash column was observed moving towards the west and northwest.
Herman advised the public and anyone near the volcano, which is currently at Level III (Alert) status, to avoid all activities within a 5-kilometre radius of the eruption centre. Residents are also urged to be wary of potential lahars (volcanic mudflows) in rivers originating from the peak during periods of high rainfall, particularly in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.
As a result of the eruption, flight operations at Frans Seda Airport in Maumere were closed for two days due to volcanic ash spreading towards Sikka Regency. The Head of Frans Seda Airport, Parthaian Pandjaitan, confirmed that operations were suspended until 06:00 WITA on 7 June 2026. Additionally, two flights at Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo were cancelled by airlines due to volcanic ash. However, other flight routes at Komodo International Airport remain normal as ash was not detected within the airport area.
Devastating Fire Claims Four Lives in East Sumba
A tragic incident occurred in East Sumba, NTT, where a family of four lost their lives in a house fire. The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday (4/06/2026) in Temu Village, Kanatang District. The victims were Kristanto Huruday (33), his wife Elisabeth Utu Lendi (30), their daughter Stella Ndah Ngana (9), and a niece, Aneta Widiantary Padji Tuka (2).
East Sumba Police Chief AKBP Gede Harimbawa explained that the fire was noticed by residents around 03:40 WITA, but the victims were asleep at the time. Residents attempted to extinguish the flames using hoses, but the fire spread rapidly through the wooden and bamboo structure. The fire is suspected to have originated from a cooking stove located beneath the family’s stall. The couple worked as vegetable and retail fuel sellers, and police suspect that the bottled fuel stored at the stall contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. While an investigation is ongoing, police stated there is no evidence of arson.
Three Students Assaulted in Lombok; One Fatality Reported
An incident involving the alleged burning of three students at an Islamic boarding school in Batukliang, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has come to light following a viral video on social media. The video shows a victim in pain, displaying burns on various parts of their body while receiving hospital treatment.
Joko Jumadi, Chairman of the Child Protection Agency (LPA) of Mataram, confirmed the incident took place in November 2025 but only gained widespread attention recently due to the video. Preliminary information suggests the three students were allegedly doused with fuel and set on fire by fellow students. Two victims sustained serious burns, while one victim has reportedly passed away.