Mount Semeru erupts in East Java with loud booming sounds

Mount Semeru in East Java erupted on the night of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 22:18 WIB. While the eruption was not visually observed due to darkness, it was recorded by seismographs with a maximum amplitude of 25 mm and a duration of 128 seconds. The event was accompanied by loud booming and rumbling sounds.

Local disaster management agency (BPBD) Lumajang reported no immediate damage or casualties resulting from the eruption. However, the volcano remains at Level III (Alert/Siaga) status. Authorities have issued safety recommendations, including a prohibition on activities within a 13 km radius of the summit in the southeastern sector and a 5 km radius from the crater to avoid risks from incandescent rocks.

Additionally, residents are warned to stay at least 500 meters away from the Besuk Kobokan riverbanks due to the potential for hot clouds and lava flows that could reach up to 17 km from the summit. Vigilance is required regarding potential lahars in the Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat river channels.

In separate news, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade held the 22nd Gambir Trade Talk to discuss digital trade and economic inclusivity within the RCEP region. Meanwhile, the Jakarta International Investment, Trade, Tourism & SMEs Expo (JITEX) 2026 opened in Jakarta to promote the city as a global economic hub. The Ministry of Home Affairs also announced plans regarding the status transition of government employees (PPPK) to central civil servants by 2027.