Post by : Anis Farhan

Ruang’s Roar Disrupts Travel

Indonesia’s volcanic landscapes are a source of both awe and anxiety—and this week, nature reminded everyone why. On July 8, 2025, Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi, erupted for the second time this year, shooting ash columns over 2,500 meters into the sky. The eruption forced multiple flight cancellations, closed regional airports, and disrupted ferry services across the Sangihe Islands.

For tourists and locals alike, the blast brought back memories of earlier volcanic events in Indonesia—most notably the 2010 Merapi eruption and the 2018 Anak Krakatau tsunami. But unlike past disasters, the latest Ruang eruption is unfolding in an era of post-pandemic tourism, where travel is both booming and fragile.

As authorities race to monitor the situation, travelers are asking: Is it still safe to visit Indonesia? Which areas are affected? And what should tourists do if their itinerary is disrupted?

Where Is Mount Ruang—and Why Is It Erupting?

Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano located on Ruang Island, just north of Sulawesi and close to the Philippines' maritime boundary. It is part of the Ring of Fire, a geologically unstable zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean, where tectonic plate activity makes earthquakes and eruptions common.

Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any country on Earth—over 120. Mount Ruang has a history of moderate-to-severe eruptions, with notable activity recorded in 2002, 2015, and April 2024. Experts at Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) say the current activity is the result of increased magma pressure beneath the caldera, triggered by recent tectonic shifts.

What Travelers Need to Know Right Now

Here’s how the latest eruption is affecting travel as of July 11, 2025:

• Air Travel:
  Flights to and from Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport have experienced delays or rerouting due to ash clouds. Airlines such as Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia have suspended flights to the Sangihe and Talaud Islands until further notice.

• Ferry Disruptions:
  Inter-island ferries between Sangihe, Ruang, and Tagulandang have been suspended, leaving many local travelers and domestic tourists stranded or forced to delay travel plans.

• Travel Advisories:
  The Australian, British, and U.S. embassies have issued updated advisories, warning against non-essential travel to the affected region and urging visitors to monitor updates from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

• Tourist Areas Not Affected:
  Major Indonesian tourist destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Lombok remain unaffected by the eruption, and travel continues as normal in these regions.

Safety Protocols: What Tourists Should Do

If you’re already in Indonesia or planning to visit, here are key safety tips:

• Monitor Alerts:
  Use Indonesia’s official MAGMA Indonesia app for real-time volcanic updates and evacuation alerts.

• Register with Embassies:
  Foreign travelers should register with their embassies to receive safety notifications and support if evacuations are needed.

• Travel Insurance:
  Ensure your insurance covers natural disasters and disruptions. Some policies do not automatically cover volcanic events unless declared a state emergency.

• Emergency Kit:
  Always carry essentials like face masks (to protect from ash), bottled water, and basic first aid—especially if traveling to more remote islands.

Local Communities on High Alert

While most international coverage focuses on travel disruption, the real impact is local. Approximately 12,000 residents across Ruang and Tagulandang have been affected, with several hundred already evacuated to temporary shelters on the mainland. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore due to ashfall and water contamination near the coast.

“The ash has covered our crops and we can’t go out to sea,” said Arif Tumenggung, a village elder in Tagulandang. “We’re waiting for supplies from Manado and trying to keep the children indoors.”

Authorities have distributed masks and food rations to affected villages, but access remains limited due to transport closures. Aid groups are requesting international support to bolster logistics and temporary shelter facilities.

Why Indonesia Still Welcomes Tourists

Despite its seismic challenges, Indonesia remains a top-tier tourist destination, drawing over 20 million visitors annually for its beaches, temples, wildlife, and volcano trekking.

The country’s Ministry of Tourism has reassured visitors that 90% of tourism operations remain unaffected, and volcanic activity is closely monitored in real time. “Indonesia is large, diverse, and resilient,” said Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism. “We encourage travelers to check facts before canceling plans.”

Some seasoned travelers even see eruptions as a reason to visit—volcano tourism is a niche but growing segment, offering safe, guided treks around dormant and mildly active volcanoes like Bromo and Ijen.

However, authorities caution against “disaster chasing,” where tourists flock to eruption zones for social media content, often ignoring safety zones.

Long-Term Concerns for Climate and Health

Beyond immediate disruptions, volcanic eruptions can have longer-term impacts on health and climate:

• Ashfall can cause respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly.

• Sulfur emissions from large eruptions may contribute to short-term cooling or acid rain in nearby regions.

• Water and soil contamination from ash can affect farming and fishing economies for months.

Public health officials have begun distributing medical kits and water filters to island clinics. International NGOs, including the Red Cross and Mercy Corps, are on standby to assist in case of a major escalation.

Should You Postpone Your Trip?

In most cases—no. Unless you are heading to Sulawesi, the Sangihe Islands, or nearby northern archipelagos, your trip will likely be unaffected. Flights to Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Papua are operating normally, and tourism infrastructure is running smoothly across most of Indonesia.

However, travelers should:

• Stay flexible with bookings.

• Avoid areas under PVMBG alert levels 3 and 4.

• Follow local instructions and emergency alerts closely.

Final Word: Travel Smart, Stay Safe

Volcanic eruptions are part of Indonesia’s natural rhythm. They are a reminder of the archipelago’s raw geological power—and of the communities that live bravely within it. With smart planning and real-time awareness, most travelers can enjoy Indonesia safely while respecting its volatile terrain.

As for Mount Ruang, geologists warn that more activity could follow in the coming weeks. But for now, skies are beginning to clear, flights are slowly resuming, and Indonesia is once again balancing its beauty with its unpredictability.

Disclaimer

This article is an editorial feature from Newsible Asia. It is based on verified updates from Indonesia’s disaster management agencies, global travel advisories, and on-the-ground reporting as of July 2025. Travelers are advised to consult official channels before making travel decisions.