Indonesian Volcano Erupts
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, erupted on June 17, 2025. The eruption caused clouds of smoke and ash to rise 6.8 kilometers into the sky and was seen from more than 100 kilometers away. Multiple flights were cancelled, and many tourists needed to evacuate the area. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Indonesia is made up of many small volcanic islands because it is on the Ring of Fire, so active volcanoes erupt frequently. In total, Indonesia has 120 active volcanoes, and Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of them. Laki-Laki erupted again on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s eruption.
The Indonesian government told people to evacuate the areas 8 kilometers away from the volcano. It is possible that rain can make the situation worse.
Additionally, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki previously erupted in March and May. Since then, there have been concerns about future eruptions. The most recent one led to the cancellation of over 80 flights. erupting again. Dozens of flights have been cancelled due to the eruption. For In Indonesia, air transportation is crucial because residents need to travel between islands. This includes flights to Australia, China, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Multiple airports have closed, such as Gewayantana Airport in East Flores and Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere.
Mount Lewotobi is actually a twin volcanic mountain. “Laki-Laki” means “man” in Indonesian, and its twin, “Perempuan,” means “women”. Laki-Laki is more active than Perempuan.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been very active in June. The volcano “rumbles“ about 10 times or fewer a day. But right before the eruption, it rumbled 50 times in just 2 hours! The islands of Bali and Flores attract many tourists, so dozens of travelers are stuck on the islands for a few days because flights are canceled.
Not all tourists are upset that they have to stay in Flores Island temporarily. One tourist told CNN, “I see it as a blessing in disguise that we’re safe and well.”