Indonesia’s Ring of Fire Roars as 11 Volcanoes Erupt in 2026

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s volcanic landscape is showing renewed intensity, with at least 11 volcanoes recorded as erupting during 2026, according to data from the Geological Agency of Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.

The latest eruption to attract international attention is Mount Anak Krakatau, which produced a continuous eruption lasting about 25 hours earlier this month, disrupting air travel across Java and Sumatra.

The 11 volcanoes recorded as erupting this year are Semeru, Ibu, Lewotobi Laki-laki, Dukono, Anak Krakatau, Ili Lewotolok, Marapi, Dempo, Karangetang, Sinabung and Merapi.

Mount Semeru recorded the highest number of eruptions, with 1,811 events through September 7. Mount Ibu followed with around 1,501 eruptions, while Lewotobi Laki-laki recorded approximately 859 and Dukono around 230.

But Anak Krakatau has become the most visible symbol of Indonesia’s latest volcanic episode.

The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, entered a prolonged eruption phase on September 4. The continuous activity ended around 25 hours later, although intermittent Strombolian eruptions have continued. Indonesian authorities have maintained the volcano at Alert Level III, or “Siaga.”

Volcanic ash caused major disruption to Indonesia’s aviation system. Eight airports were temporarily closed, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Reuters reported that the disruption affected approximately 341,000 passengers and resulted in nearly 3,000 canceled or delayed flights.

The airports later reopened after authorities confirmed that runway and airspace conditions were safe. BMKG said it continued monitoring volcanic ash in real time and conducted atmospheric operations to help clear the material.

The eruption has also created a search-and-rescue emergency. Eight people, including five journalists, two boat crew members and a guide, remain missing after a speedboat traveling toward Anak Krakatau lost contact in the Sunda Strait. Search operations have been expanded by Indonesian authorities.

Authorities have warned people not to enter an area within 3 kilometers of the volcano’s active center. The Geological Agency said the main hazards include incandescent rock fragments, heavy volcanic ash and potential lava flows if continuous eruptive activity resumes.

Indonesia’s volcanic activity is closely linked to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge. Reuters estimates that Indonesia has more than 100 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active countries on Earth.

The latest eruptions demonstrate how volcanic hazards can quickly become an international issue. What begins as activity at a remote volcano can disrupt aviation networks, strand hundreds of thousands of travelers and create wider economic, environmental and public-safety consequences.