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Gilbanta Volcano | Dr John Seach
Last updated: January 2026
Off western coast of Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara,
Indonesia
8.52 S, 119.35 E
summit elevation unknown (submarine)
Submarine volcano
Gilbanta is a submarine volcano off the western coast of Komodo Island in the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Warning: Gilbanta is dormant with no recent confirmed activity. Submarine volcanic hazards are low but include potential for sudden eruptions producing pumice rafts or gas releases. Boating in the area should exercise caution.
Geology and Volcanology
Gilbanta is a submarine stratovolcano in the Lesser Sunda arc, formed by subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate. The volcano's composition and structure are poorly documented due to its submarine nature. Possible activity in 1957 (discolored water reports) suggests occasional unrest.
No hydrothermal activity is confirmed. Due to its remote submarine setting, monitoring relies on regional seismic networks and satellite detection of surface manifestations from the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).
Current Activity (January 2026)
No volcanic activity has been recorded at Gilbanta. Satellite observations show no surface discoloration, pumice, or thermal anomalies. The volcano remains dormant.
Eruption History
Possible submarine eruption in 1957 (unconfirmed reports of discolored water). No historical activity confirmed.
Further reading
Neumann van Padang, M., 1951. Catalogue of the Active Volcanoes of the World, Including Solfatara Fields, Indonesia.
Gilbanta Volcano Eruptions
1957? (unconfirmed)
Dormant