Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Several mountains across Indonesia erupted as the new year began. Reportedly, Mount Semeru in East Java, Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, and Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara all showing significant volcanic activity with eruptions recorded on January 1, 2025.
As 2025 begins, volcanic activity has intensified across several mountains in Indonesia, with multiple eruptions reported on January 1, 2025. Authorities have been closely monitoring the increased seismic activity and issuing safety advisories to nearby communities.
Here is a summary of the volcanoes that erupted on the first day of the new year.
Mount Ibu Eruptions
Mount Ibu, located in West Halmahera, North Maluku, erupted at least five times on Wednesday, January 1. According to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the tallest ash column reached approximately 3,000 meters above the summit, or about 4,325 meters above sea level.
The first eruption was recorded at 2:09 PM local time, while the last one occurred at 9:30 PM. PVMBG has urged residents and visitors to avoid activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the volcano and within a 5.5-kilometer sectoral extension towards the northern crater opening.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruptions
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again on Wednesday night at 9:26 PM local time. The eruption produced an ash column rising 600 meters above the summit, or approximately 2,184 meters above sea level, with moderate intensity drifting southwest.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains at Level III (Siaga) alert status. Authorities have instructed residents and tourists to stay at least 5 kilometers away from the eruption center and up to 6 kilometers in the southwest, north, and northeast sectors.
Residents are also warned about potential lahar floods, particularly along rivers originating from the volcano’s peak, including areas like Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Klatanlo, Hokengjaya, Boru, and Nawakote.
Local authorities in East Flores continue to coordinate with monitoring posts and PVMBG to assess the situation and prepare mitigation measures.
Mount Semeru Eruptions
Mount Semeru, located in Lumajang, East Java, erupted 10 times on January 1, 2025, starting from 1:12 AM and continuing until 6:37 PM local time.
The volcano, which stands at 3,676 meters above sea level, experienced its first eruption shortly after the New Year. By Thursday, Mount Semeru continued its volcanic activity and remains at Level II (Waspada) alert status.
PVMBG has advised residents to avoid the southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan river within a 8 kilometer radius from the summit. Additionally, authorities have warned of potential pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and lahar floods along rivers and valleys originating from Mount Semeru’s peak.
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Authorities continue to monitor the volcanic activity closely, urging residents and visitors to adhere to safety advisories and evacuation guidelines. As several mountain across Indonesia showing an increased volcanic activity, vigilance remains crucial in mitigating risks from the ongoing eruptions.
(Raidi/Agung)
