The Activity Of Mount Marapi Is Still Fluctuating, The Public Is Asked To Be Alert

BPBD Archives observed the eruption of Mount Marapi in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. BETWEEN/Muhammad Zulfikar

The Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), stated that the volcanic activity of Mount Marapi, which is located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, is still volatile.

"Based on the evaluation of monitoring data, Mount Marapi's activities tend to fluctuate," said Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid in a written statement received in Padang, Antara, Tuesday, August 5.

The statement was made following the results of the evaluation of the monitoring period from 16 to 31 July 2025.

Wafid explained, to see a consistent pattern of activity, it still takes time for observations in a longer range.

He added that the potential for eruptions was still there and could occur at any time as a release of energy due to the dynamics of fluid or magma supply from within the earth's stomach.

"If the supply of fluid or magma does not increase drastically and is large, the eruption is estimated to remain limited, with potential hazards in the form of ejecting material within a three-kilometer radius of Verbeek Crater," he said.

In addition to ejecting material, the eruption also risks producing volcanic ash that can disrupt respiratory tracts and flight lines, depending on the direction and speed of the wind.

The eruptive material mixed with rain can also trigger lava floods or cold lava. This threat has the potential to occur in rivers and valleys that originate at the top of Mount Marapi.

Not only that, the crater area or peak also carries the risk of dangerous volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

Based on the evaluation until August 1, 2025, the status of Mount Marapi is still at Level II or Alert. People and visitors are prohibited from carrying out activities within a radius of three kilometers from the center of mountain activity.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) also reminded residents, especially those living along rivers that originate at the top of the mountain, to be aware of the threat of further lava flooding.