The Shiro Copr, MANGUPURA — The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Air Transportation (Ditjen Hubud) has taken mitigation measures and intensive supervision related to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki located in Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has recorded seven eruptions since June 17-18, 2025, as reported by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).
Based on visual reports, the column of volcanic ash has been observed reaching up to 10,000 meters with dispersion in various directions.
PVMBG has also established that the mountain is currently at Level IV (Awasi) status after experiencing several eruptions since June 17-18, 2025, with ash columns reaching up to 10,000 meters.
Regarding the operational impact of volcanic ash from eruptions, Dirjen Hubud refers to Ministry Regulation No. 95 of 2018 concerning Aeronautical Meteorological Information Services and Dirjen Air Transportation Regulation KP 153 of 2019 concerning the Procedures and Collaborative Decision Making for Handling the Impact of Volcanic Ash.
Regarding the eruption of Mount Lewatobi Laki-Laki, the Office of Regional Airports Authority IV has conducted a coordination meeting with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, Perum LPPNPI (AirNav Indonesia), airport operators, airlines, and ground handling service providers.
Based on information from ASHTAM VAWR3701 issued by AirNav Indonesia, volcanic ash has been detected spreading at several altitudes: 10,000 feet towards the West, 35,000 feet towards the Southeast, and 53,000 feet towards the West, with wind speeds varying between 10 to 25 knots.
The Head of Regional Airport Authority IV, Cecep Kurniawan, stated that as a result of the eruption of Mount Lewatobi Laki-Laki, three airports have had their operations closed.
"Up to now, three airports have had their operations suspended due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, namely the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere until June 19, 2025 at 06:00 WITA, the Soa Airport in Bajawa until June 18, 2025 at 17:00 WITA, and the Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende until June 19, 2025 at 07:00 WITA," said Cecep on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Cecep added that 26 flight routes were also affected, consisting of 12 international flights and 14 domestic flights, with the total number of passengers impacted reaching more than 14,000 people.
"There are several airport locations with the largest number of affected passengers, namely Denpasar with 10,560 passengers, Labuan Bajo with 2,166 passengers, Lombok with 772 passengers, and Maumere with 451 passengers," Cecep explained.
Other airports that were affected include Kupang, Bajawa, Ende, Sabu, and several connectivity routes in the regions of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Bali.
Coordination has been carried out to ensure transfers, refunds, or rescheduling for passengers affected.
Meanwhile, Director General of Aviation Transportation Lukman F. Laisa stated that flight safety is the highest priority in every policy made.
"We continue to monitor and make operational adjustments based on the latest data. The safety and comfort of passengers are the main basis for every decision to close or reopen airport operations," Lukman said.
I also urge all flight operators and airport organizers to provide compensation in accordance with the applicable regulations to passengers who are affected.
"Including options for rescheduling, rerouting, up to full refund for passengers who cannot continue their journey. This is important to maintain public trust and provide maximum protection to service users," he added.
As an example of mitigation efforts, airlines in Labuan Bajo are working with the Port Authority and Harbor Master's Office (KPSP) to provide sea transportation as an alternative travel option for passengers who are stranded.
Technically, AirNav Indonesia has also implemented contingency procedures for flight navigation services, including the option to operate I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport for 24 hours, which usually only operates until 02.00 WITA.
The Directorate General of Air Transportation will continue to conduct monitoring, evaluation, and cross-sector coordination to ensure that the safety, security, and smooth operation of national aviation remain maintained amid the eruption of Mount Lewotobi. (*)
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