Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, a volcano in south-central Indonesia, dramatically erupted on June 17, 2025, hurling a massive ash cloud over six miles (11 kilometers) into the atmosphere. The eruption occurred at 5:35 p.m. local time and was significant enough to trigger Indonesia’s highest volcano alert.
The resulting orange, mushroom-shaped cloud blanketed surrounding villages like Talibura and was visible from as far as 93 miles (150 kilometers) away. Authorities quickly urged residents and tourists to stay clear of the danger zone.
Flight Cancellations Strand Travelers as Volcanic Ash Grounds Planes Across Southeast Asia
The eruption severely disrupted air travel, particularly affecting Bali’s Denpasar International Airport. Dozens of flights were canceled or delayed, including domestic routes to Jakarta and Lombok, and international flights to and from countries such as Australia, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
The nearby Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport was also temporarily closed to ensure passenger safety. Airlines, including Jetstar, Scoot, and AirAsia suspended scheduled flights, stranding many travelers and forcing them to make emergency arrangements.
Mount Lewotobi Eruption Grounds Flights and Forces Evacuations Across Southeast AsiaAmong the disrupted travelers were Singaporeans Athirah Rosli and her husband Fadzly Yohannes, who found their return flight canceled upon waking. Although initially panicked, the couple quickly adjusted their plans by booking new accommodation and insurance.
Rosli later reflected that their safety was more important and considered the delay a hidden blessing. Many other tourists echoed similar sentiments as they adjusted travel plans while monitoring further volcanic activity.
Intensifying Volcanic Activity Prompts Evacuations, Heightened Alerts, and Ongoing Eruption Concerns in Indonesia
The eruption followed an increase in volcanic activity, with up to 50 incidents recorded in just two hours, far above the usual daily count. A second, smaller eruption occurred the following morning, releasing a 0.62-mile (1-kilometer) ash cloud.
Residents from two nearby villages were evacuated, and a five-mile (8-kilometer) danger zone was enforced around the crater. Officials also warned about the risk of heavy rainfall, potentially causing lava flows along nearby rivers, posing further threats to surrounding communities.
This eruption is the latest in a series of volcanic events involving Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which last erupted in May 2025. A March eruption also led to widespread flight disruptions, and a deadly series of explosions in November 2024 killed nine people and displaced thousands.
Indonesia, home to over 270 million people, is one of the world’s most volcanically active nations due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic activity frequently triggers earthquakes and eruptions.