SEAToday.com, Jakarta – The Geological Agency of Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has committed to ensuring that all volcanoes in the country are under constant, comprehensive surveillance. This heightened monitoring focuses specifically on six volcanoes that are currently on alert or warning status due to a significant increase in volcanic activity in recent days.

“We are closely monitoring volcanoes like Lewotobi Laki-laki, Iya, Marapi, and others that are showing heightened activity. This will be a major challenge for us moving forward,” said Muhammad Wafid, Head of the Geological Agency, in a statement on Saturday, November 9, 2024, as reported by Antara.

According to the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency, as of November 9, 2024, five volcanoes are on alert status, and one is at warning level.

The volcanoes on alert include Mount Awu (Sangihe Islands, North Sulawesi), Mount Ibu (Halmahera Island, Maluku), Mount Iya (Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara), Mount Marapi (Tanah Datar and Agam regencies, West Sumatra), and Mount Merapi (Central Java - Yogyakarta Special Region).

In addition, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has been placed on warning status since early November 4, 2024.

“We consistently inform the public, especially local authorities, about these status changes, ensuring that this information serves as a crucial reference in anticipating any potential risks,” said Wafid.

Significant volcanic activity includes Mount Merapi’s eruption, which launched lava flows 11 times, traveling up to 1.6 kilometers, alongside seismic eruption events on Friday, November 8, 2024.

More recently, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Saturday morning, releasing volcanic ash up to 9 kilometers into the atmosphere, or 10 kilometers above sea level—far more intense than the four previous eruptions on November 8, which produced ash columns reaching up to 8,000 meters.

In response, Wafid reassured that volcanology teams will remain vigilant, continuously monitoring and fully identifying volcanic activities 24/7, as they have done consistently in the past.

“Our goal is to deliver accurate and timely information to the public to minimize the potential for damage and loss of life from volcanic eruptions,” he stressed.

The public can access real-time updates and recommendations through the Magma Indonesia app, social media channels @pvmbg_ and @kabargeologi, or by visiting any of the volcano observation posts located throughout Indonesia.

“As those entrusted with this critical responsibility, we are open to collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, which remains our top priority,” Wafid concluded.