Khofifah Asks Semeru Residents To Be Alert: Immediately Evacuate If Officers Instruct

The eruption of Mount Semeru hot clouds during the eruption on Wednesday (19/11/2025) afternoon. BETWEEN/HO-BPBD Lumajang

JAKARTA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa asked residents around Mount Semeru to increase their vigilance and follow the direction of officers after the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) set the status of the mountain to Level IV Alert.

"Public safety is a top priority. With the increase in the status of Mount Semeru to Level IV (Awas), we ask all residents to comply with the ban on entering the danger zone. And evacuate immediately if they receive instructions from officers in the field," said Governor Khofifah in Surabaya, Wednesday, November 19 evening, confiscated by Antara.

Khofifah said the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Lumajang Regency BPBD, the Malang Regency BPBD, the Indonesian National Army (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), volunteers, and other related elements have been on standby to carry out mitigation, monitor volcanic activity, and prepare evacuation facilities.

"We continue to coordinate with PVMBG to monitor the development of Semeru's volcanic activity. People are expected to remain calm but alert, and not easily believe unofficial information," he said.

Based on the PVMBG report, Mount Semeru at 14.13 WIB emitted hot clouds of avalanches with a sliding distance of up to 14 kilometers. Volcanic activity continued until 17.00 WIB before the status was raised to Level IV or Alert.

The hot cloud avalanches are still ongoing with a maximum amplitude of 34 mm and a tendency to glide north. I ask the public to remain calm, remain vigilant, and follow all directions from officers in the field," he said.

The Lumajang Regency Government has closed access to the Gladak Perak Bridge and sterilized all routes that have the potential to be affected by hot clouds of avalanches.

The evacuation of residents took place in three sub-districts, namely Pronojiwo, Candipuro, and Rowokangkung.

Five refugee points were prepared, namely Pendopo Candipuro District, Oro-Oro Ombo Village Hall, Penanggal Village Hall, SDN 4 Supiturang, and SMPN 2 Pronojiwo. Data collection on the number of refugees is still being carried out by the village government together with joint officers.

"I have asked the East Java BPBD and the Lumajang BPBD to ensure that all affected residents go to evacuation sites safely and are well recorded," said Khofifah.

The East Java BPBD reported the presence of thick sulfur in several settlements which caused comfort and breathing disorders.

Residents who experience irritation, shortness of breath, or other symptoms should immediately go to the nearest health post. Masks have been distributed by the BPBD Rapid Response Team," said Khofifah.

As of 18.00 WIB, countermeasures include coordination with the Semeru Volcano Observation Post, field monitoring by the Lumajang Regency BPBD, evacuation of residents, regulation of the flow of refugees, distribution of masks, and sweeping of the Mount Sawur area.

"I ask all residents around Semeru to prioritize safety. Don't wait for the second direction. Our officers continue to work in the field," said Khofifah.

He invited all stakeholders to strengthen coordination across local governments, volunteers, and the community.

"Hopefully the situation can be controlled soon and all residents are in good health and safety. Let's take care of each other, help each other, and comply with the officers' instructions," he said.