Mount Raung Smoke Caused by Land Fire, Not Eruption: Agency

The Indonesian Geological Agency has clarified that the smoke plume observed on Mount Raung in East Java was caused by a wildfire, dispelling initial concerns of volcanic activity. Lana Saria, Acting Head of the agency, stated that visual observations and seismic data indicated the phenomenon was a land fire, not an eruption.

Observations over the past two weeks showed only typical gas and water vapor emissions from Mount Raung, reaching a maximum height of 500 meters above the peak. There were no eruptive activities producing volcanic material, and seismic recordings did not signal any magma movement towards the surface. This suggests the mountain's volcanic system remains stable, despite the visible smoke.

Mount Raung's alert status remains at Level II (Waspada), a designation that has been in effect since December 19, 2023. This status applies to the Banyuwangi, Jember, and Bondowoso regencies. The agency continues to urge residents and tourists to stay clear of the active summit crater, maintaining a three-kilometer radius exclusion zone to prevent exposure to potentially toxic volcanic gases.

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Based on the observed characteristics of the plume's spread, location, and color, it is suspected that the phenomenon was caused by a land fire.