Tourists Urged to Avoid Mount Kelimutu Crater

Jakarta: The Geological Agency (Geolindo) has advised visitors to avoid the crater area of Mount Kelimutu despite declining water temperatures.
 
Acting Head of Geolindo, Lana Saria, revealed that temperature drops had been recorded during observations by technical teams on July 4, 2026. Data showed that water temperatures at Crater II – known as Tiwu Ko’ofai Nuwamuri – had fallen from 35 degrees Celsius to 33.2 degrees Celsius.
 
Despite the decline, Geolindo noted that the color of the water in Crater II remained unchanged. Visual observation reports noted the color of water in Crater Lake I as turquoise green, Crater Lake II as light green, and Crater Lake III as dark green.
 
Saria added that no significant changes in seismic activity or plumes from Crater II had been observed. Mount Kelimutu remains at Alert Level I.
 
Given the volcano’s popularity amongst tourists, Geolindo has issued precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
 
Visitors have been urged to avoid the crater rim – particularly at Crater II – in case of sudden phreatic eruptions.
 
Geolindo has also advised local authorities and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to coordinate with the Kelimutu Volcano Observation Post in Kolorongo Hamlet, Waturaka Village, Ende Regency, as well as the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), to maintain preparedness for potential hazards.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)