Mount Dieng Status Rises So Alert

Illustration - Activities of Mount Dieng, Central Java. BETWEEN/HO-Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) decided to raise the status of Mount Dieng in Central Java from Level I (Normal) to Level II (Alert).

The government asks public vigilance to comply with recommendations, which have been issued for mutual safety.

Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid said the increase in volcanic activity required extra vigilance from the community and related parties.

"We urge the public and visitors not to enter a radius of 500 meters from the Sileri Crater center and avoid spending the night around the crater," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, December 20.

Mount Dieng experienced a significant increase in volcanic activity on December 18, 2024 at 15.12 WIB.

There was a phreatic eruption in Sileri Crater, which was recorded on a digital seismograph with an earthquake duration of about 200 seconds and a maximum amplitude of 42.7 mm.

Apart from Sileri Crater, the potential danger of a phreatic eruption can also potentially occur in several craters such as Weigh Crater, Siglagah Crater, and Pagerkandang Crater.

Phreatic eruptions can occur suddenly without any early signs, especially during the rainy season.

"Other areas such as Sikendang Crater and Sinila Crater also have a high concentration of toxic gases and can be dangerous. We ask the public to always obey directions for mutual safety," continued Wafid.

Wafid also appealed to the public to remain calm and not to spread inaccurate information.

Local governments in the area around Mount Dieng, including Banjarnegara, Wonosobo, and Batang, are expected to continue to coordinate with PVMBG for further monitoring.

According to Wafid, the level of activity of Mount Dieng will be evaluated periodically and announced to the public if there are significant changes.