Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised Mount Merapi's alert to level three on June 12 2026. The 5-kilometre exclusion zone covers several villages and popular hiking routes near Yogyakarta. No commercial flights have been affected so far but ash fall remains possible.
Local authorities closed access roads and deployed additional monitoring equipment. Merapi last erupted significantly in 2023, prompting similar restrictions. The current activity includes increased lava dome growth and gas emissions.
Merapi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes and a frequent tourist draw. Yogyakarta province relies heavily on visitors to the temple complexes and surrounding countryside. Past eruptions have caused temporary drops in regional arrivals of up to 40 percent.
The national disaster agency coordinates daily briefings with local tourism offices. Airlines serving Yogyakarta International Airport maintain contingency plans for ash-related diversions. International embassies have issued standard travel notices to their citizens.
What this means for you
Cancel or postpone any planned hikes or village visits within the exclusion zone immediately. Monitor the official MAGMA Indonesia website and local English-language media for daily updates. Rebook accommodation outside the 5-kilometre radius if your itinerary includes the area.
Keep flexible flight and hotel bookings with free cancellation policies. Carry N95 masks in case of ash fall and download offline maps of alternative routes. Contact your travel insurer to confirm coverage for volcanic disruptions before departure.
Activity levels can change rapidly so check conditions again 48 hours before travel. Alternative cultural sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan remain fully accessible and safe.