Hundreds Evacuated as Indonesia Raises Mount Semeru to Highest Alert

Authorities say flight routes between Indonesia and Australia could be affected, as ash plumes rise from one of Java’s most active volcanic peaks.

A man looks at a pyroclastic flow during the eruption of Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia, on Nov. 19, 2025. Agus Harianto/AFP via Getty Images

The status of volcanic activity on Mount Semeru in East Java has been raised to a level four alert—the highest danger category—shortly after it erupted on Nov. 19, around 8 p.m.

Authorities ordered evacuations across three villages in two districts—Supit Urang and Oro-Oro Ombo in Pronojiwo District, and Penanggal in Candipuro District—within Lumajang Regency.