Strong Earthquake Hits North Maluku, Indonesia—No Tsunami Warning Issued

Thousands of residents in Indonesia have been evacuated following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which occurred late Thursday night, shooting ash up to 8 kilometers into the air. The country's disaster agency reported that the local government has declared a 14-day emergency and set up a command post to manage response efforts, according to spokesman Abdul Muhari. As a result of the eruption, at least seven international flights, primarily to Australia and Malaysia, have been canceled from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, with several others delayed. The volcano's alert level has been raised to the highest stage, indicating significant potential danger. More than 4,700 people have already been evacuated and authorities have advised others in the area to seek safety. The volcanic ash has affected nearby villages, leading to injuries, including one individual struck by a collapsing roof due to volcanic debris. The agency has also warned residents of possible volcanic mudflows, particularly with anticipated heavy rainfall.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano in eastern Indonesia, erupted on March 20, 2025, prompting the evacuation of over 4,700 residents and the cancellation of at least seven international flights. The volcano sent ash plumes up to 8 kilometers into the sky, forcing Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport to ground multiple flights, including those from Jetstar and Air Asia, according to airport spokesperson Andadina Dyah. In response to the volcanic activity, Indonesian disaster agency spokesman Abdul Muhari announced a 14-day emergency and a command post to facilitate response efforts. Evacuation efforts have intensified, with local authorities urging remaining residents to move to safer locations. "The people are asked to remain in safe locations and follow directives from the regional government," Abdul stated. The eruption posed risks beyond smoke and ash, with potential volcanic mudflows due to impending heavy rains. This incident marks a continuing pattern of volcanic activity in Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where seismic events are common. This is not the first time Lewotobi has disrupted air travel; a previous eruption in November 2024 resulted in nine fatalities.

Two students in Indonesia have been sentenced to dozens of lashes for engaging in a homosexual relationship, according to the Banda Aceh District Prosecutor's Office. One student faces 85 lashes while the other will receive 80, based on their involvement in the acts. These sentences follow their arrests in November and are set to be carried out either before or after the upcoming month of Ramadan, beginning in March. The sentences reflect Aceh's strict implementation of Sharia law, enforced since the province was granted autonomy in 2001 as part of a deal to quell a long-standing separatist movement. While homosexuality is not criminalized in other parts of Indonesia, Aceh remains the only region in the country applying such severe penalties, including caning for acts deemed as offenses in Islam, such as gambling and alcohol consumption. The prosecutor stated the difference in lashes was justified because one of the men was considered the "initiator" of the sexual act, having rented the location for the encounter. This case highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Indonesia, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights.