Mount Awu Seismicity Dominated by Shallow Volcanic Earthquakes, Says ESDM

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reported that seismicity at Mount Awu was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes and distant tectonic earthquakes during the period of 23-30 June 2026. A total of 132 shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded, averaging 16 events per day, along with 16 deep volcanic earthquakes, one local tectonic earthquake, and 489 distant tectonic earthquakes. The current condition of shallow volcanic earthquakes has decreased compared to the previous period, with the average daily occurrence dropping from 18 to 16 events. However, deep volcanic earthquakes have increased compared to the previous period. This period was also marked by a high number of distant tectonic earthquakes following the Mindanao, Philippines earthquake on 8 June 2026. This indicates that smoke emission activity remains confined within the crater and has not increased compared to the prior period. Magma supply from depth still indicates an increase, showing that the magmatic dynamics of Mount Awu are continuing. A sudden increase in seismicity, or volcanic earthquake swarms, as well as an increase in low-frequency earthquakes, still need to be watched for in the future, especially with the accumulation of pressure at shallow depths and the high tectonic earthquake activity around North Sulawesi and Maluku. Other potential hazards include effusive magmatic eruptions producing lava flows, phreatic eruptions dominated by steam, volcanic gases, or previous eruption material. The collapse of the lava dome could occur if pressure within the magmatic system increases significantly. Another potential danger is the release of volcanic gases, which can be life-threatening if inhaled in concentrations exceeding safe threshold limits. Residents and visitors are advised not to enter or conduct activities within a four-kilometre radius from the centre of Mount Awu’s crater. The public is also urged to comply with recommendations issued by the Geological Agency through the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, and not to be provoked by false or irresponsible news regarding Mount Awu’s activity. They are further advised to follow directives from the authorised agency, the Geological Agency, which will continue to coordinate with BNPB, BMKG, relevant ministries and agencies, local governments, and other related institutions.