Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 28, 2026 at 09:17 AM

Papandayan's blue fire caused by high-concentration volcanic gas

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M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) said the blue fire phenomenon at Manuk Crater on Mount Papandayan, West Java, was triggered by high-temperature volcanic gas released at concentrations exceeding normal limits levels.

The Head of the PVMBG Geological Agency, Rita Susilawati, on Monday, said the blue fire phenomenon on Mount Papandayan was observed on September 24, 2026.

She explained that the bluish flames occur when high-temperature sulfur gas escaping through fumarole cracks reacts chemically with oxygen in the air.

Direct inspections by the Geological Agency's expert team in the field found the release of volcanic gases exceeding safe health limits, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) reaching 230 ppm and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at 120 ppm.

Susilawati said the extremely high temperatures and gas concentrations could also ignite sulfur deposits on the crater walls.

"This blue fire phenomenon on Papandayan has occurred previously. The Geological Agency recorded a similar phenomenon occurring at Baru Crater on February 22, 2023, and July 12, 2025. while in 2026 it was found in Manuk Crater," she informed.

Asked whether the phenomenon was similar to the blue fire on Mount Ijen, she explained that the phenomenon at Mount Papandayan differs from that at Mount Ijen, where sulfur concentrations in solfatara vents remain consistently high.

At Papandayan, the phenomenon is relatively rare and occurs only when specific temperature and gas concentration conditions are met.

Therefore, the PVMBG has set a recommended safe distance of 500 meters from the active crater of Mount Papandayan and prohibits camping in gas-sensitive areas to ensure the safety of visitors and climbers.

"We may enjoy the phenomenon, but we remind the public to also heed the recommendations for the sake of everyone's safety, particularly because the active crater at Mount Papandayan can release volcanic gases that may pose health risks," she reminded.

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