Mount Anak Krakatau Growth Rapid but Safe, Says PVMBG - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) under the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) confirmed the rapid physical growth of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, but assured that the volcano remains within safe parameters.

Speaking in Bandung on Thursday, September 17, PVMBG Head Rita Susilawati stated that the expansion of Mount Anak Krakatau represents the natural development of a young volcano and does not currently present a risk of landslides or tsunamis.

She noted that volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau has returned to its typical pattern of brief Strombolian eruptions. Following eruptive episodes in early September 2026, no eruptions were recorded on Monday, September 14, or Tuesday, September 15.

“The potential for an eruption still exists, but there should be no over-worrying concern, as this is simply part of the growth dynamics of Anak Krakatau, a young volcano still building its body,” Rita said.

Rita explained that the rapid physical formation of Mount Anak Krakatau is driven by a combination of regional tectonic factors, an open magma conduit architecture, low-viscosity magma characteristics, and a high frequency of eruptions.

The change in the direction of tectonic plate subduction from the Sumatra region toward the Sunda Strait opened a pathway for magma to reach the surface unimpeded.

This allowed superheated, molten magma to accumulate rapidly, shaping the physical morphology of the volcano.

Amid the ongoing search for the media team missing in the Sunda Strait, Rita urged the public and observers not to panic over concerns that a potential flank collapse could trigger a tsunami.

“The growth of Mount Anak Krakatau is not yet a cause for concern, as its current height remains around 150 meters and its slope is still gentle. So, once again, even if a collapse occurs, it will not cause a tsunami,” Rita said.

PVMBG assured that it will maintain continuous 24-hour surveillance to monitor any shifting volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau in the waters bordering Lampung and Banten.