November 21, 2025 | 06:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 187 hikers were stranded on Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia, after the country’s highest volcano erupted on Wednesday afternoon, November 19, 2025.
According to the Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), 187 hikers were trapped along the popular Ranu Kumbolo trail when the eruption occurred.
The hikers were only able to descend on Thursday night, November 20. “Everyone is safe,” said Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Data and Information Center, in a written statement on Friday. He said officials allowed the descent only after confirming that the trail was clear of volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic flows.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported a lower count of stranded hikers, noting 60 hikers and 15 guides, and attributed the situation to poor visibility caused by fog and rain.
Ranu Kumbolo, a scenic crater lake at 2,400 meters above sea level, is one of the most frequented routes to Semeru’s summit and lies within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The lake is part of the Jambangan Caldera, one of four crater lakes in the Semeru volcanic complex.
Mount Semeru erupted at 02:00 PM local time on Wednesday, spewing ash up to 8 kilometers from the summit. At the time, nearly 200 hikers were trekking toward the peak via the Ranu Kumbolo route.
BNPB, together with local authorities, is now clearing volcanic ash and mud from affected areas. Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Preparedness Edy Prakoso also confirmed that all hikers were safe.
“The situation at Ranu Kumbolo is safe, but an advisory to descend has been issued,” he said.
Evacuation efforts involved a joint team from Basarnas, BNPB, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and military and police personnel.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.
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