The Indonesian Geological Agency stated on the 19th that the Semeru Volcano, located in East Java Province, erupted that afternoon, and the volcanic alert level has been raised to the highest level.
The Semeru Volcano is about 310 kilometers west of the popular tourist destination Bali.
In a statement, Indonesian Geological Agency chief Muhammad said that since the crater could eject hot rocks, people should maintain a safe distance of at least 8 kilometers from the crater.
The statement noted that all personnel are prohibited from entering river areas within 20 kilometers southeast of the crater.
At present, at least 300 villagers living near the volcano have been evacuated to two temporary shelters.
Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes; the 3,676-meter-high Semeru is one of them. It is also the highest volcano on the island of Java.