JAKARTA: September 8, 2026 — Six volcanoes in Indonesia erupted almost simultaneously on 31 August, even as forest and land fires continued to burn in several parts of Kalimantan.
The volcanoes involved are 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 Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) stressed that the eruptions did not trigger one another, as each volcano has a distinct magma system.
The eruptions have continued, with Mount Sinabung erupting again on 2 September, while Mount Anak Krakatau erupted for approximately 25 hours starting from the night of 4 September until the early morning of 6 September.
The Anak Krakatau eruption disrupted operations at eight airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with more than 1,500 flights affected.
Volcanic ash was carried by winds as far as Jakarta and surrounding areas, blanketing homes, roads and vehicles with dust, consequently affecting residents’ daily activities.
In the Sunda Strait, ships have been advised to exercise caution due to the risk of volcanic ash which could reduce visibility.
Mount Anak Krakatau remains at Level III alert status, while PVMBG continues to monitor volcanic activity and has reminded the public to observe designated restricted zones.
