Mount Lewotobi erupts again as Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

MOUNT Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s twin-peaked volcanoes on Flores island, erupted violently over the weekend following an escalation in volcanic activity that prompted authorities to raise the alert status to its highest level.

AFP reported the 1,584-metre volcano began erupting on Friday evening, with the largest explosion recorded at 10:46pm local time, sending a towering ash plume six kilometres into the atmosphere, according to Indonesia’s volcanology agency.

“Volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s eruption could also disrupt airport operations and flight paths if it spreads toward the airport area and aircraft routes,” Muhammad Wafid, head of the geology agency, who also urged the public to remain at least six kilometres from the crater.

Volcanic activity continued on Saturday morning with several smaller eruptions, including one that ejected ash 2.5 kilometres high. Authorities have warned nearby communities to remain vigilant, particularly those living near riverbanks, due to the increased risk of fast-moving volcanic mudflows (lava) — during periods of heavy rain.

The Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, a town on Flores island, suspended all domestic flight operations on Saturday as a precaution. The airport’s head, Partahian Panjaitan, said officials would reassess conditions on Sunday before making a decision to reopen.

Despite the scale of the eruption, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport remained unaffected and continued operations as normal, according to spokesperson Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi.

This latest activity follows a massive eruption in July, when Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki released an 18-kilometre-high ash plume, forcing 24 flight cancellations at Bali’s international airport.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki, meaning “male” in Indonesian, is the more active of a volcanic duo. Its twin, the 1,703-metre-high Lewotobi Perempuan (female), remains relatively calm.

Indonesia, located on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to over 120 active volcanoes and experiences frequent eruptions and earthquakes. - September 20, 2025