Indonesians mark 20 years since mud volcano eruption swallowed up entire communities in East Java
Scientists say commercial gas drilling likely triggered the eruption, which displaced tens of thousands and still sends hot mud from the vent.
- On Friday, residents in East Java, Indonesia, gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of the Lusi mud volcano eruption, honoring the 14 lives lost and the 19 villages submerged by the disaster.
- Scientific research indicates the May 29, 2006, eruption was likely triggered by commercial gas drilling by Lapindo Brantas, contradicting government claims at the time that it was a natural disaster.
- The mud flow submerged 19 villages across 2,700 acres, displacing tens of thousands; resident Sastro, 55, lost his house and factory job, later adapting to work as a motorcycle taxi driver.
- Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered Lapindo Brantas to pay $420 million in compensation, though survivors still face health consequences and environmental damage two decades later as the volcano remains active.
- Lucky Wahyu Wardana from the Indonesian Forum for Living Environment, or WALHI, urged the government to end reliance on extractive industries, citing long-term health and environmental impacts on displaced communities.
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20 Articles
Indonesian Communities Reflect on 20 Years Since Devastating Mud Volcano Eruption | Science-Environment
On the 20th anniversary of the Lusi mud volcano eruption, Indonesian residents gathered to honor those who perished in the disaster that engulfed villages in East Java, causing displacement and ongoing hardship. Despite efforts to control it, the volcano continues to produce hot mud, marking a long-standing environmental catastrophe.
Associated Press News
Indonesians mark 20 years since mud volcano eruption swallowed up entire communities in East Java
Residents in the East Java province of Indonesia have scattered flowers and paid their respects and prayed at the edge of a mud lake.
Residents of the Indonesian province of East Java scattered flowers, paid tribute and prayed on Friday on the edge of a mud lake, on the 20th anniversary of the eruption of the Lusi volcano, which flooded villages and killed at least 14 people.
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