Indonesia Volcano Mount Anak Krakatau Sends 100-Meter Ash Plume During Tuesday Eruption

The Indonesia volcano Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia's Sunda Strait erupted on Tuesday, sending a dense gray ash plume 100 meters into the sky, amid a period of increased volcanic activity that began on June 10 and prompted its status to be raised to Level III (Siaga) on July 2. [1]

Recent Eruption Details

The eruption occurred at 8:21 a.m. with a maximum seismic amplitude of 11 millimeters and lasted about 15 seconds, according to the Geological Agency of ESDM. [1] Officials reported that the volcano released a dense gray ash plume that rose from the crater and drifted northwest. [1] During the eruption, seismic monitoring recorded a maximum amplitude of 11 millimeters and a duration of about 15 seconds. [1] The head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Observation Post in South Lampung, Andi Suwardi, said the volcano’s alert status remained unchanged despite ongoing eruptions. [1] “Eruptions are still occurring, with activity fluctuating over time. However, Mount Anak Krakatau’s status remains at the same level as before,” Andi said on Tuesday as quoted by Kompas.com. [1] The eruption sent an ash plume 100 meters into the sky. [2]

Current Volcanic Status and Monitoring

Mount Anak Krakatau remains at Level III (Siaga) status. [1] The head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Observation Post in South Lampung, Andi Suwardi, said monitoring teams at the observation post are conducting 24-hour surveillance to track any changes in the volcano’s activity. [1] Key indicators, including ash plume height and seismic activity, are being closely monitored as part of ongoing assessments. [1] Badan Geologi, Kementerian ESDM raised the status from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga) on 2 July 2026 at 16.30 WIB. [4] Level III (Siaga) is defined in Peraturan Menteri Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral Nomor 15 Tahun 2011 as showing increased activity that can include eruptions threatening areas near the eruption center but not settlements. [4]

Mount Anak Krakatau erupts sending a dense gray ash plume 100 meters high. — Source: gdelt

Safety Restrictions and Public Advisories

Under Level III status, the public is prohibited from activities within a 3-kilometer radius of the active crater. [4] This level indicates increased activity including potential eruptions that threaten areas near the eruption center but not surrounding settlements. [4] He also urged the public to remain alert to potential changes in volcanic activity and avoid carrying out activities near Mount Anak Krakatau until further notice. [1] With status Level III (Siaga), society is advised not to conduct activities inside the 3 kilometer radius from the active crater. [4] The status prohibits activities for the public, climbers, fishermen, and tourists around the active crater. [4]

Impact on Local Fishermen

Fishermen in coastal Lampung continue to operate near the volcano, including overnight stays at Pulau Sebesi, drawn by abundant fish despite risks of damaged nets from underwater coral and the need to observe safety radii enforced by patrols. [3] Despite the Siaga status, fishermen on the Lampung coast such as Rohidin continue to go to sea to meet living needs on Tuesday (7/7/2026). [3] Fishermen often spend the night at Pulau Sebesi and utilize waters around the volcano rich in fish even though there is risk of nets being damaged by sharp coral. [3] Polairud officers routinely patrol to keep fishermen compliant with the safe radius. [3] Rohidin, a traditional fisherman, stated “Takut ya takut. Namanya orang kerja di laut, risikonya harus ditanggung.” [3] In one fishing trip, Rohidin usually spends three to five days at sea and often anchors overnight around Pulau Sebesi. [3] The waters around the foot of Mount Anak Krakatau hold abundant fish catches, yet the seabed contains sharp coral remnants from ancient eruptions that frequently damage and snag nets. [3] “Banyak ikannya di sana, cuma jaring kita sering nyangkut dan robek karena bawahnya banyak karang,” Rohidin said. [3] Fishermen still comply with safety signs issued by sailing officers to avoid sudden eruption impacts. [3]

Mount Anak Krakatau erupts in Indonesia sending a dense gray ash plume 100 meters high. — Source: gdelt

Safety of Nearby Tourist Areas

Tourist beaches in Banten such as Anyer, Cinangka, and Carita, located approximately 42 kilometers from the volcano, remain safe and unaffected, with current activity described as relatively stable and producing only low white smoke plumes of 5-10 meters; videos suggesting a major eruption have been debunked as hoaxes. [5] Wakil Bupati Serang Muhammad Najib Hamas stated that conditions at Mount Anak Krakatau are tending to stabilize and declared safe. [5] Petugas Pos Pengamatan Gunung Anak Krakatau PVMBG, Deny Mardiono, explained that the danger radius is within three kilometers from the eruption center while Anyer, Cinangka, and Carita lie about 42 kilometers away. [5] “Radius bahaya berada dalam jarak tiga kilometer dari pusat erupsi. Sementara untuk Pantai Anyer, Cinangka, dan Carita itu jaraknya kurang lebih 42 kilometer. Jadi material vulkanik tidak akan sampai ke sana,” Deny said. [5] From visual monitoring via CCTV camera, only white smoke plumes with height around five to ten meters are visible. [5] Videos circulating on social media purporting to show a major eruption have been declared untrue or hoaxes. [5] “Kami telah meninjau langsung Pos Pengamatan Gunung Anak Krakatau PVMBG di Desa Pasauran, Kecamatan Cinangka, Kabupaten Serang, bahwa video yang beredar tersebut tidak benar,” Najib stated. [5] PVMBG and local government urge the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information. [5]

Context of Increased Activity

Mount Anak Krakatau has recorded a significant increase in volcanic activity since June 10, following a prolonged period of relative inactivity. [1] Badan Geologi, Kementerian ESDM raised the status from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga) on 2 July 2026 at 16.30 WIB. [4] Other Indonesian volcanoes currently at Level III (Siaga) include Gunung Merapi on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Gunung Semeru in East Java, Gunung Awu in North Sulawesi, and Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki in NTT. [4] The head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Observation Post in South Lampung, Andi Suwardi, said the volcano’s alert status remained unchanged despite ongoing eruptions. [1] Monitoring teams conduct 24-hour surveillance on ash plume height and seismic activity. [1]

What to watch next: Monitoring teams continue 24-hour surveillance of ash plume height and seismic activity while the public is urged to remain alert and avoid activities near the volcano.

Further Reading

• Live Volcano Activity