Merapi Volcanist Activities Increase, BPPTKG And BNPB Ensure Safe Situation

Illustration of the eruption of Volcano (ANTARA)

SLEMAN - The volcanic activity of Mount Merapi, which is located on the border of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) in the last few days, has shown a significant increase. Based on observations by the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) on Thursday, July 25 from 00.00 to 06.00 WIB, there were recorded one hot cloud avalanche and six lava avalanches.

"One hot cloud has fallen towards Bebeng River with a maximum sliding distance of 1,000 meters. Six lava avalanches have been observed towards Bebeng River with a maximum sliding distance of 1,500 meters," said the BPPTKG's official statement on Thursday, July 25.

Responding to the increase in volcanic activity of Mount Merapi, the Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), Hadi Wijaya, explained that despite the hot clouds avalanche in the last few days, the situation is still within safe limits and is quite far from residential areas.

"On July 20 and 22, lava avalanches and hot clouds fell with a slide of up to 2 kilometers, but this is still in a safe area because we have calculated a safe limit of up to 7 kilometers," said Hadi Wijaya while inspecting the Mount Merapi Observation Post in Sleman, DIY.

Hadi appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic with the information circulating. PVMBG will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to update information regarding the activities of Mount Merapi.

"We will continue to coordinate with BNPB and other relevant agencies to ensure that the community remains in a safe condition and there will be no disasters," added Hadi.

Meanwhile, the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, revealed that since early 2024, there has been an increase in activity in several volcanoes in Indonesia, including Mount Merapi.

"From early 2024 to July, there has been an increase in activity in several volcanoes in Indonesia such as Mount Semeru, Mount Raung, Mount Ibu, Mount Lewotobi, and a few days ago, the increase in the eruption on Mount Merapi has attracted the attention of the media," said Suharyanto.

Regarding the increase in activity, BNPB together with PVMBG have conducted a review of the Mount Merapi Observation Post in Kaliurang, Sleman Regency, DIY, to ensure the condition of the community after the occurrence of hot clouds of avalanches.

BNPB also coordinates with relevant agencies to ensure the safety and preparedness of the community in dealing with potential threats from the activities of Mount Merapi.