Six Volcanoes in Indonesia Erupt Simultaneously, PVMBG: Not Triggering One Another
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has confirmed that the phenomenon of six volcanoes in Indonesia erupting simultaneously on 31 August 2026 is purely due to independent volcanic dynamics and did not trigger one another.
The six volcanoes erupting at the same time include Mount Ibu in North Maluku, Mount Semeru in East Java, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and Mount Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara, Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, and Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra.
The Head of PVMBG, Rita Susilawati, speaking at the Geological Agency Complex in Bandung on Wednesday, emphasised Indonesia’s position within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 127 active volcanoes make simultaneous eruptions possible without any systemic connection.
“To put it simply, each volcano has its own ‘kitchen’; they are individual, and the processes leading to eruption between one volcano and another are also different. We have found no evidence of a single geological process triggering all these eruptions simultaneously on 31 August,” said Rita.
Rita also clarified public perceptions regarding earthquakes often being linked to volcanic eruptions. She noted that tectonic earthquakes do not automatically trigger eruptions unless proven by surges in internal monitoring data, such as deep-seated seismicity, volcanic deformation, changes in temperature, or gas releases.
The dynamics of these simultaneous eruptions have increased the activity level of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Siaga) since 31 August 2026 at 12:00 WIB, after it ejected a volcanic ash column 3,500 metres above its peak.
Meanwhile, Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait remains at Level III (Siaga), a status in effect since 2 July 2026, following an eruption that produced an ash column 200 metres high on 31 August 2026.
Responding to concerns from coastal residents in Banten and Lampung regarding potential tsunami risks from Anak Krakatau’s explosions, PVMBG has advised the public not to panic, as such eruptions do not necessarily result in tsunamis.
PVMBG has requested that residents adhere to danger recommendations, specifically evacuating the danger zones within a 3-kilometre radius of Mount Sinabung’s peak (and a 6-kilometre radius in the south-eastern sector) and remaining vigilant against the threat of rain-induced lahars along river flows originating from the peak.