Lumajang Police Guard Students Crossing Semeru Cold Lava

RRI.CO.ID, Lumajang - The Lumajang Regency Police in East Java have initiated a hands-on rescue and escort operation to prioritize student safety amid unpredictable volcanic threats. This effort ensures children can reach school safely despite the dangerous cold lava flows of Mount Semeru.

This proactive measure follows a harrowing incident earlier this week where a young student and her father were swept away by currents while attempting to cross the same treacherous waters.

As reported by Antara, officers from the Candipuro Sector Police have been stationed at the Regoyo River in Jugosari Village. They are there to physically assist residents and students facing surging runoff caused by heavy upstream rainfall.

"Three personnel from the Candipuro Police took turns carrying students from Public Elementary School 03 Jugosari, specifically those from Sumberlangsep Hamlet, across the river so they could attend classes," remarked the Lumajang Police Public Relations Head, Ipda Suprapto, in a written statement on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The deployment serves as a direct response to the accident on Monday, February 23, when a schoolgirl was dragged by the rain-induced lava flood. "The event involving the elementary school child and her father being swept away while crossing the Regoyo River has become a serious concern for the Lumajang Police, leading to the deployment of Candipuro personnel to prevent a recurrence," explained Ipta Suprapto.

For many students, wading through the river remains the only viable shortcut to their classrooms, despite the current’s intensity.

Beyond carrying children, officers are also securing the passage of adult commuters and motorcyclists. Pedestrians are being guided one by one to maintain balance, while motorcycles are being pushed collectively to prevent them from slipping into the deep silt and fast-moving water.

“Seeing that the current of the Regoyo River was quite heavy and dangerous, Candipuro Police members immediately stepped in to help. Thank God, the children heading to school were able to cross safely,” he added.

The police continue to urge caution, advising the public to remain vigilant during periods of high-intensity rainfall. They also recommend postponing travel if river conditions appear too volatile for a safe crossing. ***