BALINEWSID.COM, LAMPUNG — Indonesia’s Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has lowered the alert level of Anak Krakatau Volcano in the Sunda Strait from Level III (Siaga/Alert) to Level II (Waspada/Advisory), following a decline in volcanic activity.

The new status took effect on September 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. local time after the Geological Agency conducted a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the volcano’s latest activity.

Geological Agency Head Lana Saria said the downgrade was based on monitoring data and an overall assessment of the volcano’s current condition.

“Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the activity level of Anak Krakatau Volcano has been lowered from Level III (Siaga) to Level II (Waspada),” Lana said in Jakarta on Monday (Sept. 21).

Anak Krakatau had been placed at Level III (Siaga) since July 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. local time after an increase in volcanic earthquakes and deformation was detected.

During the period of heightened activity, the volcano recorded 224 eruptions through September 3, 2026.

Activity increased again when Anak Krakatau entered a period of continuous eruption lasting about 25 hours, from 11:07 p.m. on September 4 to 12:04 a.m. on September 6.

Satellite imagery showed lava flows moving toward the northwest, west and southwest from the eruption center.

Following the episode, Anak Krakatau’s activity showed a declining trend through September 20 at midnight. Deformation monitoring also indicated deflation, a decrease in the volume or inflation of the volcanic edifice.

On September 20, monitoring recorded one Low-Frequency earthquake and continuous tremors with an average amplitude of 2 millimeters.

Despite the downgrade, the Geological Agency has maintained safety restrictions around the volcano.

Residents, visitors, tourists and hikers are prohibited from entering or conducting activities within a 2-kilometer radius of Anak Krakatau’s activity center.

“The public around Anak Krakatau, as well as visitors, tourists and hikers, are not allowed to enter or conduct activities within a 2-kilometer radius of the center of Anak Krakatau’s activity,” Lana said.

The Geological Agency also urged the public to remain alert to the potential for incandescent rock fragments and heavy ashfall.

Residents along the coasts of Banten and Lampung were advised to remain calm and not to believe rumors claiming that an eruption of Anak Krakatau would cause a tsunami.

Authorities will continue monitoring the volcano, while its activity level will be reviewed periodically or whenever significant changes are detected.

The Level II (Waspada) status and the current safety recommendations will remain in effect until the next evaluation is issued.