Semeru And Dukono Eruption, Prioritize The Safety Of Residents Who Live Near Mount

Screenshot of CCTV footage showing the eruption of Mount Semeru in East Java on Wednesday (8/11/2023). (ANTARA/HO PVMBG)

JAKARTA - The government is asked to ensure the safety of residents affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru in East Java, and Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, North Maluku. Especially residents who live near the mountain.

"The central and regional governments must work together to ensure optimal protection measures for residents around Mount Semeru and Mount Dukono," said DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, Wednesday, November 8.

Mount Semeru experienced an eruption as high as 1,000 meters from the top of the peak at around 10:53 WIB this morning. Currently, Mount Semeru is at Level III or Alert Status, with an eruption distance of about 13 km from the top of the mountain.

Meanwhile, the eruption on Mount Dukono has occurred since the beginning of last October. To this day, Mount Dukono has experienced 36 eruptions and 70 earthquakes. The status of Mount Dukono is at level II or alert.

Mount Dukono also emitted volcanic ash to Tobelo City 22 kilometers from the volcanic crater. Apart from Tobelo City, volcanic ash also hit eight villages close to Mount Dukono.

The eight villages affected by volcanic ash were Made, Popilo, Gorua, Wari Ino-Weri, Buwaele, Gura, Kampung Cina, and Gamsungi. Made Village is only 15 kilometers from Mount Dukono. Puan also asked the local government to monitor the condition of the affected residents.

The basic needs to prevent the impact of volcanic ash must be met, for example, the provision of masks. Including by preparing medical personnel who can treat residents if they experience symptoms of the impact of volcanic ash," continued Puan.

Puan also asked the Government to prepare for the worst situation, for example evacuation efforts and preparation of refugee camps for residents if the eruption worsened.

"Both for residents around Mount Dukono and Mount Semeru. The government in collaboration with relevant agencies such as BPBD must ensure the safety of residents," said Puan.

The eruption of Mount Merapi, he said, is a warning to potential natural disasters in Indonesia located on the Ring of Fire Line. Puan asked the Government to always be prepared for disasters.

Puan also reminded the Government to carry out strict supervision of activities around the mountain that are in the middle of an eruption. That way, the appeal for people to stay away from Mount Dukono and Mount Semeru can be maximized.

Many local people rely on living by gardening or farming around the mountain. Socialize with a humanist approach so that residents are pleased to temporarily stay away from mountains to avoid things we don't want," said Puan.

Furthermore, socialization also needs to be done for climbers and tourists. Puan urged that the warning system be improved and climbers be given clearer information about their safety by not doing activities first as long as the mountain is still in eruption.

Volcano eruption is a real warning of the potential for natural disasters in Indonesia. Good quick action and coordination from the Government are the keys to protecting public safety," he explained.