The Status Of Mount Semeru Becomes Alert, People Are Asked To Stay Calm Following Official Information

JAKARTA - The Regency Government (Pemkab) of Lumajang, East Java appealed to residents to remain calm and not panic when the status of Mount Semeru rose from Alert to Alert on Wednesday afternoon.

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has upgraded the status of Mount Semeru activities on the border of Lumajang and Malang Regencies, East Java to Level IV (Awas), starting Wednesday at 17.00 WIB.

"The public is advised to remain calm and follow official information regarding the activities of Mount Semeru. Prepare yourself with simple equipment such as masks, drinking water and medicines, and understand safe routes in their respective environments," said Lumajang Regional Secretary Agus Triyono in the local district.

The Lumajang Regional Secretary and Ex officio BPBD Lumajang informed that the activity of Mount Semeru has now increased to Level IV (Alert) since 17.00 WIB, having previously been at Level II (Alert) and Level III (Alert).

"The increase in status is anticipatory. BPBD recommends that people not be within a radius of 8 kilometers from the crater, and pay attention to the south to southeast sector as far as 20 kilometers from the activity center," he said.

According to him, intensive monitoring continues to ensure the safety of residents on the slopes of Mount Semeru.

While at Level III (Alert) at 16.00 WIB, Semeru's hot clouds slid 17 kilometers to the bottom area of the Gladak Perak bridge.

"People are asked to remain calm, not approach vulnerable areas, and understand the official information submitted by BPBD. Every increase in volcanic status is a preparedness step, not to scare," he said.

With simple preparedness and following official directions, he continued, the public can face these conditions calmly and safely.

BPBD Lumajang will continue to update information related to the highest mountain activity on the island of Java and residents are reminded to rely on official information and avoid unverified rumors.