On November 19, 2025, Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for Mount Semeru in East Java to Level IV, the highest possible tier, after a volcanic eruption produced significant ash clouds and pyroclastic flows on the volcano’s southeast and southern flanks. The government has evacuated residents living nearby and advised the public to avoid all activities within an eight-kilometer radius of the volcano. Emergency response operations are ongoing.
Mount Semeru is located south of Mount Bromo, a popular tourist site, and about 150 kilometers south of Surabaya.
The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia has issued guidance for U.S. citizens in the area. "Monitor the local news for updates, especially if you have air travel planned during this event. Notify friends and family of your safety. Avoid travel and other activities near Mount Semeru and surrounding areas of Lumajang and Malang Regencies in East Java. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance," according to information provided by embassy officials.
The embassy also encourages individuals to check updates from Indonesia’s Disaster Management Agency through its Twitter account for further local news and guidance.
For those seeking assistance, contact details have been provided for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali through their respective phone numbers and email addresses listed on their official website https://id.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/surabaya/. The State Department’s Consular Affairs can also be reached at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates while in Indonesia.