Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that as of Wednesday night, 300 residents in Lumajang District, East Java, have been evacuated to avoid potential volcanic material following the eruption of Mount Semeru.Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, confirmed on Wednesday in Jakarta that the evacuees were residents of Supiturang Village, Oro-Oro Ombo Village, and Penanggal Village.The residents were temporarily relocated to shelters prepared by the joint response team at the Oro-Oro Ombo Village Hall, the Penanggal Village Hall, and the Supiturang 2 Elementary School building in Pronojiwo.“Preliminary data shows that 300 residents have evacuated. However, the team in the field is still conducting verification,” he said.BNPB stated that it continues to monitor Mount Semeru’s activity while assisting the local government in managing the disaster response.According to information from the BNPB Operations Control Center, the Lumajang District Government is currently preparing an Emergency Response Status, set to last from November 19 to November 26, 2025.“This measure is expected to enable the immediate activation of the command post and ensure effective emergency management,” Muhari said.Mount Semeru, the tallest volcano on Java at 3,676 meters above sea level, erupted on Wednesday, releasing a pyroclastic flow that traveled seven kilometers from the summit.The eruption occurred at 4:00 p.m. local time, generating an ash column that rose 2,000 meters above the summit.“The ash column was observed to be gray with thick intensity, drifting north and northwest,” said Mukdas Sofian, an officer at the Mount Semeru observation post, in a written report.The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources raised Mount Semeru’s activity status to Level IV (Warning) effective Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.Mount Semeru is the highest active volcano on Java Island, with its Mahameru summit reaching 3,676 meters above sea level.The volcano lies within the administrative areas of Malang District and Lumajang District in East Java and forms part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.Mount Semeru is also known as the third-highest volcano in Indonesia and remains one of the country’s most active.According to local legend, Semeru is believed to be the dwelling place of the gods or the “nail” that stabilizes Java Island.The mountain features the well-known Ranu Kumbolo lake, a popular destination for hikers. During certain seasons, the nearby Oro-Oro Ombo Valley transforms into a purple savanna covered with blooming verbena flowers.
Semeru Eruption: 300 residents evacuated so far, BNPB confirms
