Mount Sinabung Activity Increases, Local Authorities Provide Transport for Students
The volcanic activity of Mount Sinambung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has increased following an eruption on Monday (31/8). This condition has prompted the local government, along with relevant agencies, to strengthen management efforts and prioritise the safety of residents in the affected areas.
The eruption, which occurred on 31 August 2026 at approximately 12:00 WIB, produced an eruption column approximately 3,500 metres above the peak, reaching about 5,960 metres above sea level.
Based on visual and instrumental monitoring, Mount Sinabung’s activity has shown an increase. The volcano’s activity level has been raised from Level II (Caution) to Level III (Alert), effective from 31 August 2026 at 12:30 WIB.
The impact of volcanic ash has been felt in several areas, particularly in Ndokum Siroga Village and Kuta Tengah Village in Simpang Empat District, as well as Payung Village in Payung District. Residents of Kuta Tengah Village have been temporarily directed to leave their area and evacuate to Sukatepu Village, Naman Teran District.
As of Friday (4/9), approximately 208 families or 650 individuals have been recorded as evacuees. Of this number, about 405 individuals are currently staying at the Jambur Arih Ersada Evacuation Post in Sukatepu Village, Naman Teran District.
The local government is still updating evacuee data to ensure the needs of the affected community can be met accurately, including requirements for food, clean water, sanitation, and protective equipment against volcanic ash exposure.
Volcanic Ash Impacts Agriculture
In addition to disrupting community activities, volcanic ash rain has also impacted residents’ agricultural land. The total area affected and the extent of the damage are still being assessed by the relevant authorities.
The Karo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has taken several management steps. Residents in high-risk areas are continuously urged to leave danger zones and move to safer locations.
The BPBD has also distributed masks to residents affected by volcanic ash as part of efforts to reduce the risk of respiratory issues caused by dust exposure.
Coordination with the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Polri (National Police) is also being conducted to ensure field conditions remain controlled. One monitoring point is located at the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post in Ndokum Siroga Village, Simpang Empat District.
Patrols are also being carried out in several areas designated as prohibited zones for community activity or visits, including the Lau Kawar Lake area. Based on patrol results, no visitors were found in the area.
Road Watering and Public Kitchens Activated
To reduce the impact of volcanic ash on the community, road watering is being conducted in several areas with high population and traffic density, including the centre of Berastagi.
The local government has also activated public kitchens to meet the consumption needs of affected residents three times a day. Clean water and sanitation needs at evacuation sites are also being prepared as part of basic services for evacuees.
Meanwhile, Payung Village in Payung District has been temporarily placed on alert. The local government has prepared evacuation measures in the event that Mount Sinabung’s activity increases further and conditions necessitate residents moving to safer locations.
Educational Activities Adjusted
The impact of Mount Sinabung’s activity has also required educational activities to adapt to field conditions.
SD Negeri 040475 Tiga Serangkai is temporarily conducting teaching and learning activities at the evacuation post. Meanwhile, junior high school students attending schools outside the village are receiving pick-up and drop-off services from the Karo Regency Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP).
This step is being taken to ensure that the education process can continue while considering the safety of students amidst the volcanic activity.
PVMBG Issues Recommendations
Based on observations of Mount Sinabung on Friday (4/9) between 12:00 and 18:00 WIB, thick white smoke was visually observed from the main crater at a height of approximately 300-500 metres above the peak. No seismic activity was recorded during this observation period.
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) recommends that the public and tourists refrain from activities in relocated villages. The public is also requested not to enter areas within a 3-kilometre radius of the peak of Mount Sinabung and a sectoral radius of 6 kilometres towards the south-southeast.
Residents living or operating near riverbeds originating from Mount Sinabung are also urged to remain vigilant regarding the possibility of lahars.
Evaluations of Mount Sinabung’s activity levels will be conducted periodically or whenever significant changes in volcanic activity occur.
The public is advised to remain calm and not panic, but to increase vigilance and follow the directions of the local government and relevant authorities.
BNPB, along with the Karo Regency Government, PVMBG, TNI, Polri, and other relevant agencies, continue to monitor the developments of Mount Sinabung while supporting the management of eruption impacts according to field conditions.