Climbers Are Reminded To Celebrate RI's Anniversary At The Peak Of Mount Merapi

SLEMAN - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sleman Regency reminded climbers not to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the top of Mount Merapi because the status of the mountain is still at level II or standby.

"Previously there were habits of some people celebrating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the peak of Merapi, but currently the status of Mount Merapi is still at level II so that the general public is prohibited from carrying out activities at the top of the mountain," said the Head of BPBD Sleman Regency Makwan as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 16.

According to him, currently on Mount Merapi there are still incandescent lava avalanches and emit hot clouds, so this is a high risk for the activities of the general public in the peak area.

"In a day there can be several lava avalanches, this is very dangerous for activities at the top of Mount Merapi," he said.

The celebration of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day in the Mount Merapi area may be held but only on the slopes recommended by the Yogyakarta BPPTKG.

"The celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia must be outside the recommended dangerous zone," he said.

Makwan said the potential danger in the Mount Merapi area is currently in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south to southwest sector with its radius covering the Boyong River as far as a maximum of five kilometers, the Bedog, Krasak and Bebeng rivers as far as a maximum of seven kilometers.

"Meanwhile, the southeast sector covers the Woro River for a maximum of three kilometers and the Gendol River for a maximum of five kilometers," he said.

Makwan said, for the ejection of volcanic material in the event of an eruption, it could reach three kilometers from the summit of Mount Merapi.

"We urge the public not to carry out any activities in areas of potential danger, including raising the flag at the top of Mount Merapi," he said.

As an alternative, Makwan appealed to the public to celebrate independence in safe areas such as Bukit Turgo in Pakem or Bukit Klangon in Glagaharjo, Cangkringan.