This is the moment CCTV captured a thick ash cloud billowing out of Mount Semeru during a powerful eruption in Indonesia.

The volcano blasted a 54,000ft plume into the sky as it erupted in East Java province at around 4 pm local time on Wednesday afternoon.

Terrifying footage shows a ground-hugging cloud of pyroclastic ash surging downslope.

Officials said the ash drifted north and north-west, with seismic instruments recording a maximum amplitude of 40mm for more than 16 minutes.

Mukdas Sofian, an officer at the Semeru Observation Post, said the column was 'dense and towering'.

Residents were urged to leave the designated danger zone.

The Australian Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre issued a red aviation warning, while the public was prohibited from carrying out any activities within 500 metres of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan.

Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru, is the highest volcano on Java and one of Indonesia's most active, frequently producing ash columns, lava flows, and pyroclastic activity.