"The firelights have been visible since September 4, 2025," said Manguleh in Tomohon on Sunday.
The appearance of firelights indicates magma activity rising to the surface, heating the ground, including solfatara.
"That's what causes the firelights visible in the Tompaluan crater," he said.
He said the potential for an eruption is possible due to the still-high activity and rising ground temperatures.
He said the firelights could persist or disappear, depending on seismic activity, continued magma supply, and continued heating of the ground.
Armando explained that in 2008, firelights appeared from the Tompaluan crater of Mount Lokon, but no eruption occurred at that time.
"The appearance of the fire will be followed by an eruption three years later. When the eruption occurs, residents will be evacuated," he said.
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) raised the status of Mount Lokon from Alert (Level II) to Standby (Level III) starting Wednesday, September 3, at 12:00 p.m. local time.
The status upgrade follows a significant increase in the number of earthquakes, reaching more than 100 per day, up from the normal frequency of only three per day.
Related news: Authorities widen Mount Lokon danger zone after status upgrade
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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