Five Indonesian Volcanoes on Alert Level III

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported the latest status of several active volcanoes across the country. As of Tuesday, September 8, 2026, five volcanoes have been raised to Alert Level III (Siaga), indicating a heightened risk of eruption. According to Berton SP Panjaitan, acting head of the BNPB's Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disasters, the five volcanoes on alert are Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra, Anak Krakatau Island between Lampung and Banten, Mount Merapi spanning Yogyakarta and Central Java, and Mount Semeru in East Java. In addition to these four volcanoes on Sumatra and Java, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara is also under close observation. BNPB is paying particular attention to Anak Krakatau Island, whose volcanic activity remains at Level III. Panjaitan urged residents and tourists to continue adhering to the recommendations of volcanic authorities by refraining from activities within the hazardous radius, typically 3 kilometers from the volcano's crater. Furthermore, satellite imagery analysis indicates that the direction of volcanic ash dispersal from Anak Krakatau is shifting away from populated areas on Java and Sumatra. Winds are observed to be carrying the ash towards the open sea, suggesting a higher probability of it heading towards the Indian Ocean. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to numerous active volcanoes. Volcanic activity here can have direct impacts on local communities, as well as affect air travel and infrastructure.