On Friday, May 29, 2026, residents of Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, gathered to mark 20 years since a catastrophic gas exploration accident triggered a massive mud flow that has since become known as the Lusi mud volcano.

The $30 million containment effort

The government and PT Lapindo Brantas have spent an estimated $30 million on efforts to stem the flow of the mud volcano, including building dykes, pumping mud into nearby rivers, and plugging the well.

Despite these effots, the mud continues to seep out, covering an area of over 7 square kilometers.

60,000 displaced and still waiting for justice

The diisaster has displaced an estimated 60,000 people, many of whom have never been able to return to their homes.

The government and PT Lapindo Brantas have provided compensation to some victims, but many remain in temporary shelters or have been relocated to new settlements, struggling to rebuild their lives.

The Lusi mud volcano:a symbol of unregulated industrial development

The Lusi mud volcano has become a symbol of the risks associated with unregulated industrial development and the need for rigorous safety standards in natural resource extraction.

As Indonesia looks to the future, the government has pledged to accelerate recovery efforts and scientific monitoirng of the site.

Who is responsible for the ongoing environmental crisis?

The government and PT Lapindo Brantas have been criticized for their handling of the disaster and the ongoing environmental crisis.

The anniversary brought together survivors, activists, and officials to honor those affected and to call for continued support and environmental remediation.

A 20-year legacy of suffering and resilience

The Lusi mud volcano has been one of the most devastating man-made disasters in Indonesia's history.

The mud was expelled at a rate of up to 180,000 cubic meters per day , burying villages under meters of thick, sulfurous sludge.