Indonesia experiences rare simultaneous eruptions of six volcanoes

Indonesia has experienced a rare simultaneous eruption of six volcanoes within a short period. The eruptions include Anak Krakatau, Semeru, Ile Lewotolok, Lewotobi Laki-laki, Ibu, and Sinabung.

In early September 2026, volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau reached Jakarta, affecting the capital city. The ash clouds, which reached heights of up to 15,000 meters, led to the closure of eight airports and impacted more than 340,000 travelers and tourists.

Indranova Suhendro, an assistant professor at Gadjah Mada University, noted that while having two or three active volcanoes at once is common, six erupting simultaneously is a rare occurrence that typically happens only once in decades or centuries. He clarified that a chain reaction is unlikely, as each volcano operates on its own independent magma system.