Semeru Volcano

Updated: Jul 1, 2025 21:55 GMT - refresh

Stratovolcano

East Java, Indonesia, -8.11°S / 112.92°E

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Summit height: 3676 m (12,060 ft)

Current status: erupting (4 out of 5)

Last update: 30 Jun 2025 (Volcanic Ash Advisory)

Night time mild eruptions from Semeru

Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. Semeru, a favourite mountain trekking destination, has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967. It is known for its regular ash explosions that typically occur at intervals of 10-30 minutes.

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Typical eruption style: Explosive. Near constant strombolian activity, occasionally stronger explosions, lava flows and pyroclastic flows.
Semeru volcano eruptions: 1818, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1836, 1838, 1842, 1844, 1845, 1848, 1849(?), 1851, 1856, 1857, 1865, 1866(?), 1887, 1887, 1888, 1889-91, 1892, 1893, 1893-94, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909-10, 1910-11, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1941-42, 1945, 1946, 1946-47, 1950-64, 1967-ongoing

Latest nearby earthquakes

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Background

The steep-sided volcano, also referred to as Mahameru (Great Mountain), rises abruptly to 3676 m above coastal plains to the south. Gunung Semeru was constructed south of the overlapping Ajek-ajek and Jambangan calderas. A line of lake-filled maars was constructed along a N-S trend cutting through the summit, and cinder cones and lava domes occupy the eastern and NE flanks. Summit topography is complicated by the shifting of craters from NW to SE. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano.

Semeru Volcano Photos

Erupting Semeru volcano at night (March 2004) - a small explosion expels incandescent bombs that roll down its southern flank. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Volcanic trio: Batok cinder cone (foreground), smoking Bromo, and majestic Semeru with an umbrella cloud.
This view of East Java's Tengger caldera (Indonesia) is o...

Eruption at Semeru volcano with smoking Bromo and the eroded cone of Batok volcanoes in the foreground. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The growing lava dome of Semeru volcano in early November 2015. (Photo: Andi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Semeru volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Semeru has had at least 63 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 3 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Semeru volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Semeru volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Semeru can be found on the news page of Semeru volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
2017 Jun 6 - ongoing	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	4
2022 Dec 4 (eruption 2014 Apr 1 ±15 d. - 2017 Jan 9)	Historical obs./docs.	4		light	Info
2022 Dec 4: The eruption of Mount Semeru had an impact on five villages in four sub-districts: Sumberurip Village in Pronojiwo District, Sumbersari Village in Rowokangkung District, Sumberwuluh Village and Penanggal Village in Candipuro District and Pasirian Village in Pasirian District. The Center for Control and Operations of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that 29 livestock died, 71 hectares of agricultural land were affected, 2 units of bridges were affected, 3 kilometers of roads were affected, 1 educational facility was affected and 4 places of worship were affected. (reference #13391) Cited references #13391 National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia (2022): [UPDATE]: APG Mount Semeru Refugees Become 699 People. Published 2022 December 6. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2021 Dec 4 (eruption 2014 Apr 1 ±15 d. - 2017 Jan 9)	Historical obs./docs.	4	45	heavy	Info
2021 Dec 4: Dec 21: Based on data from the Emergency Response Command Post (Posko) for Mount Semeru's eruption as of December 21, 2021, the death toll increased by 1, bringing the total death toll from the eruption to 51 people. (reference #13243) Dec 11: 45 deaths, 9 missing. (reference #13097) Dec 7: 34 deaths, 17 missing, and 169 injured. (reference #13096) Dec 6: According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), the number of fatalities has increased to 15 and 27 people are missing, and 169 have been injured. Temporary data mentions 2,970 affected houses, 38 directly affected educational facilities, 1 broken bridge (Gladak Perak which is located in Curah Kobokan Village, the link between Lumajang and Malang). (reference #13091) Cited references #1250 Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) and the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) (2001): EM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium, link #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13091 National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia (2021): [Update] - As many as 15 Residents Died and 27 Others Missing Due to Semeru Eruption. Published 2021 December 6. Link #13096 AHA Centre - ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (2021): Semeru Volcano Eruption, Indonesia, Flash Update #2. Published 2021 December 7. #13097 National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia (2021): [Update] - A Week of Search and Rescue Efforts, Joint Team Finds a Total of 45 Victims of the Eruption of Mount Semeru. Published 2021 December 11. Link #13243 National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia (2021): Victims Died After Semeru Eruption Increases To 51 People. Published 22 December 2021. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2014 Apr 1 ±15 d. - 2017 Jan 9	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	4
2013 Oct 18	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	1
2011 May 13 or before - 2012 Jul 20 ?	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
2010 Jan 5 - Nov 29	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	3
2002 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	3		Info
2002: Three filmmakers were killed at the summit at a time it was closed to access. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2000 Jul 27 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	2		Info
2000 Jul 27: Two volcanologists were killed and 5 others injured by ballistic ejecta near the summit crater. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1997 Sep 2 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	2		Info
1997 Sep 2: Two climbers were killed by ballistic ejecta near the summit crater. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1994 Feb 3 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	6		Info
1994 Feb 3: Pyroclastic flows reached Sumbersari village, killing 4 and injuring 3, of whom 2 later died. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1992 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	3		Info
1992: Three killed in vent area. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1988 Jul 30 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	1		Info
1988 Jul 30: Climber killed by ballistic block at summit. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1985 May 10 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	70		Info
1985 May 10: About 70 fatalities near Pronojiwo. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1981 May 14 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	372		Info
1981 May 14: Secondary lahar due to heavy rainfall dislodged pyroclastic debris down Tunggeng and Sat rivers, killing 252 plus 120 missing, and injuring 152. Siswowidjoyo listed 275 fatalities, Witham a range of 192-378. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1981 Mar 29 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	1		Info
1981 Mar 29: One person killed during series of pyroclastic flows down S flank. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1978 Sep 19 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	12		Info
1978 Sep 19: (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1976 Aug 31 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	2	119		Info
1976 Aug 31: BVE gives only 40 deaths and 1111 date. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #1627 BVE: Bulletin of Volcanic Eruptions Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1967 Aug 31 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	3	3	light	Info
1967 Aug 31: 3 killed by mudflows, 10 ha arable land destroyed. 1,000 evacuated. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1950 Jul 23 - 1964 Dec 16 ±15 d.	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1963 May 5 (eruption 1967 Aug 31 - 2009 Mar 15)	Historical obs./docs.	2	1		Info
1963 May 5: Climber killed by ballistic block at summit. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1950 Aug 28 (eruption 1950 Jul 23 - 1964 Dec 16 ±15 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	1	6		Info
1950 Aug 28: Pyroclastic flows reached Sumbersari village, killing 4 and injuring 3, of whom 2 later died. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1946 Oct 29 - 1947 Jun	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1946 Oct 29 (eruption 1946 Oct 29 - 1947 Jun)	Historical obs./docs.	2		light	Info
1946 Oct 29: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Lava dome extrusion, Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars). (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1946 Feb - May	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1946 Feb (eruption 1946 Feb - May)	Historical obs./docs.	2	6	moderate	Info
1946 Feb: Heavy rains caused floods in valleys below Semeru. Kusumadinata-79 gives 0304-30 dates - 6 killed, 81 houses destroyed, 8 ha rice, 1000 ha arable land destroyed (and agents T? M?). Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #1651 Kusumadinata K (1979): Data Dasar Gunungapi Indonesia. Bandung: Volc Surv Indonesia, 820 p (in Indonesian) Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1945 Jun 12 - Jun 18	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1941 Sep 21 - 1942 Feb	ESE flank (1400-1775 m) Historical obs./docs.	2
1941 Sep 21 (eruption 1941 Sep 21 - 1942 Feb)	Historical obs./docs.	2		light	Info
1941 Sep 21: Radial fissure eruption, Explosive eruption, Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.). (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1915 ±1 y.	Historical obs./docs.	2?
1913 Jun 23 - Jun 26 ?	Jonggring Seloko Historical obs./docs.	2
1913 Jun 23 (eruption 1913 Jun 23 - Jun 26 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2		light	Info
1913 Jun 23: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars). (reference 2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1912 Aug 28	Historical obs./docs.	2
1911 Nov 8 - Dec	Historical obs./docs.	3
1911 Nov 8 (eruption 1911 Nov 8 - Dec)	Historical obs./docs.	3		light	Info
1911 Nov 8: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption Pyroclastic flow(s), Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars), Evacuation. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1910 Nov 16 - 1911 Feb	Historical obs./docs.	2
1909 Sep - 1910 Mar 22	Historical obs./docs.	2
1909 Sep (eruption 1909 Sep - 1910 Mar 22)	Historical obs./docs.	2	221	light	Info
1909 Sep: Major and fatal lahar was not attributed to eruptive activity, although ash and block eruptions and pyroclastic flows caused damage from Sept through Dec. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1908 Jan - Dec	Historical obs./docs.	2
1907 Jul 9 or before	Historical obs./docs.	2
1907 Jan 7 - Jan 10	Historical obs./docs.	2
1905 Aug 4	Historical obs./docs.	2
1904 Jan 2 - Jan 16	Historical obs./docs.	2
1903 Mar 26 - Jun	Historical obs./docs.	2
1901 Jan 29 - Jan 30 or later	Historical obs./docs.	2
1900 Mar 29 - Apr 11 or later	Historical obs./docs.	2

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Semeru Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Semeru volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Semeru began in 2017 and is continuing (as of July 2025).

+How often does Semeru volcano erupt?

Semeru volcano erupts almost every year. Since its first historically documented eruption 1818, Semeru has often been near-continuously active. The Global Volcanism Project counts 63 historic eruptions until now, spanning a total of 128 out of 207 years. In other words, Semeru is active roughly every one in 1.6 years on average. This value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruption might not contain all eruptions, especially further back in time. The last eruption of Semeru began in 2017 and is continuing (as of July 2025).

+How active is Semeru volcano at present?

Semeru volcano is extremely active: Since 1900, it has been near-continuously active, showing eruptive activity during 92 years out of 126 as of now. The latest eruption is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest eruption of Semeru volcano?

The largest eruption of Semeru volcano in historic times occurred during 2014 - 2017. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

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Semeru Volcano Tours

Java (Indonesia)

From Krakatau to Bali

16-day study and photo tour to Java, Indonesia

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Java (Indonesia)

Volcanoes of Java

17-day walking and trekking tour on Java

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17 days / 16 nights - Moderate to Challenging
Price 3120 €

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East Java (Indonesia)

Volcanoes of East Java

5 days walking tour to Bromo, Semeru and Ijen (Incl. Semeru observatory)

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Flores, Indonesia

Indonesia Volcano Special

Volcano expedition to Lewotobi and Ile Lewotolok volcanoes in Feb 2024

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Price 1750 EUR (7d) / 2480 EUR (10d)

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East Java (Indonesia)

Bromo, Semeru, Ijen

trekking tour to Semeru, Bromo, Ijen volcanoes (East Java)

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7-9 days - Moderate to Challenging
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Semeru Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).