All Hazards
Volcanic Hazards
Eruptions, ashfall, lahars, and toxic gas from active volcanoes.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has more active volcanoes than any country on Earth — over 120, with around 65 considered active. Volcanic hazards include lava flows, pyroclastic flows, ashfall, lahars (volcanic mudflows), and toxic gas emissions. Major active volcanoes include Merapi (Java), Sinabung (Sumatra), Agung and Batur (Bali), Semeru and Bromo (East Java), and Krakatau (Sunda Strait). Eruptions can affect millions of people through ashfall that damages crops, contaminates water, and disrupts aviation across the archipelago.
Warning Signs
- PVMBG Level 1 — Normal: baseline volcanic activity
- PVMBG Level 2 — Advisory (Waspada): elevated unrest
- PVMBG Level 3 — Watch (Siaga): eruption may occur soon
- PVMBG Level 4 — Warning (Awas): eruption imminent or in progress
Preparation
- Know your volcano's alert level system (PVMBG levels 1–4)
- Prepare a go-bag, N95 masks, goggles, and a radio
- Follow evacuation routes designated by BPBD
- Register with your local kelurahan for early warning notifications
Emergency Response
- Follow evacuation orders immediately — do not wait
- Wear N95 mask and goggles to protect from ash
- Stay indoors if ashfall is light — seal doors and windows
- Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas due to lahar risk
- Do not drive through heavy ashfall
- Listen to PVMBG and BNPB updates only — avoid rumours
- After the eruption: wait for official all-clear before returning home; clean ash from roofs (accumulated ash is extremely heavy and can cause structural collapse); do not let children play in ash; boil or use bottled water until supply is confirmed clean