Climbing in Mount Kerinci Closed Due to Increased Seismic Activity

JAKARTA - The National Park Management Section (SPTN) of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (BBTNKS) has stopped climbing Mount Kerinci in the midst of increasing seismic activity recorded by the Geological Agency through the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

"Based on this letter and information, tomorrow we ask that no climbers climb Mount Kerinci," said Head of SPTN Region I BBTNKS David, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, January 5.

According to David, as of Tuesday (6/1) the management has stopped climbing activities. Since the increase, his party has given a warning that the public or visitors should not climb until further notice.

"Currently we appeal not to climb Mount Kerinci first, until there is further notification," he explained.

Based on a special report issued by the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (4/1), there has been an increase in seismic activity of the Kerinci Volcano, in West Sumatra and Jambi provinces.

In the report it is explained, on January 4, 2026, starting at 11.33 WIB, there has been an increase in the number of Deep Volcanic Earthquakes and Shallow Volcanic Earthquakes.

Until 15.06 WIB on the same day, a total of 101 shallow volcanic earthquakes and 14 deep volcanic earthquakes were recorded.

Other types and numbers of earthquakes recorded in the same period consisted of: 27 times of Eruption Earthquakes, 26 times of Low Frequency Earthquakes, 21 times of Hybrid Earthquakes, 1 time of Distant Tectonic Earthquakes, 21 times of Local Tectonic Earthquakes, and 1 time of Felt Earthquakes with intensity II MMI.

Visual observations towards the G. Kerinci summit crater in the morning until 15.19 WIB were clearly visible and no gas gusts were observed passing through the summit crater wall.

In the Real-time Seismic Amplitude Measuremen (RSAM) graph, which describes the energy of the earthquake, it is fluctuating and shows a pattern of drastic increase (non gradual) at the end of the observation period, suspected to be related to the Felt Earthquake.

The calculation of the value (S-P) of the Volcanic Deep earthquake shows a value of 1 - 2.3 seconds, this value is smaller than (S-P) in the increase of volcanic earthquakes on December 31, 2025.

This indicates that the dominant fluid activity of gas at a relatively large depth has begun to migrate to the surface.

More intensive observations will be carried out to anticipate a significant increase in the number of Deep and Shallow Volcanic Earthquakes, especially if accompanied by a shortening of the value (S-P), gradual increase in the RSAM graph, the appearance of Tremor Vibration with an increasing amplitude value and/or visual changes/anomalies.

The current level of activity of Mount Kerinci is Level II (Alert) with a recommendation that the public and visitors/tourists do not approach and carry out activities within a radius of 3 km from the peak crater of G. Kerinci.

The potential danger of G. Kerinci is currently a high concentration volcanic gas and rock ejection (pyroclastic) if an eruption occurs.

In connection with the increased G. Kerinci tremor, the public is asked to comply with the recommendations issued by the Geological Agency through the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, and not to be provoked by false and irresponsible news regarding the activity of Mount Kerinci.

As well as following the directions of the authorized agencies, namely the Geological Agency, which will continue to coordinate with BNPB, BMKG, ministries and agencies, local governments, and other related agencies.

By Agus Suprayitno