PVMBG Confirms Rapid Growth of Mount Anak Krakatau is Safe
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has confirmed the rapid physical growth of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, though it remains categorised as safe.
Speaking in Bandung on Thursday, the Head of PVMBG, Rita Susilawati, revealed that the growth of Mount Anak Krakatau is a normal dynamic in the formation of a young volcano and does not yet pose a potential danger of landslides or tsunamis.
She stated that the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau has currently returned to a normal Strombolian eruption pattern with short durations; notably, following the initial eruptions in early September 2026, no explosions were recorded on Monday (14/9) and Tuesday (15/9).
“The potential for eruption still exists, but there is no need for excessive concern as this is part of the growth dynamics of Anak Krakatau, which is a young volcano currently forming its body,” said Rita.
Rita explained that the very rapid rate of physical formation of Mount Anak Krakatau is driven by a combination of regional tectonic factors, the architecture of an already open magma system, the characteristics of low-viscosity (fluid) magma, and a high frequency of eruptions.
Changes in the direction of tectonic plate subduction from the Sumatra region towards the Sunda Strait have opened gaps and pathways for magma to reach the surface without significant obstruction.
This allows high-temperature, molten magma to accumulate quickly, forming the morphology of the volcano’s body.
Amidst the ongoing search by a team of journalists still missing in the Sunda Strait area, Rita urged the public and observers not to panic regarding the potential danger of flank collapse that could trigger tsunami waves.
“The growth of Mount Anakting Krakatau is not yet worrying in terms of collapse threats, because its current height is only around 150 metres and the slope is still gentle. Therefore, once again, if a collapse were to occur at this time, it would not cause a tsunami,” Rita said.
PVMBG ensures that it continues to conduct strict and continuous monitoring 24 hours a day to anticipate every dynamic in the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters bordering Lampung and Banten.