Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, called for heightened alertness among the communities near Mount Semeru after its recent eruption.
He made this announcement at the Wonderful Run 2024 event in Jakarta, highlighting the cooperation with the BMKG and other relevant bodies in issuing warnings for those engaging in nature- and adventure-based tourism activities.
Uno underlined the importance of adhering to the guidance provided by park rangers and site managers of hiking areas and keeping up-to-date with weather reports.
Following the volcano’s two eruptions on Saturday, the alert status was elevated to level III.
Entry is banned within a specific zone southeast of the volcano, extending 13 kilometers from its summit and within 500 meters of the Besuk Kobokan riverbank.
The community has been warned to watch out for possible dangers such as pyroclastic flows, lava streams, and mudflows, especially along the Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat rivers, including the tributaries of the Besuk Kobokan.
Uno emphasized the importance of staying informed to avoid unnecessary risks.
“We instructed all tourism offices in regions to tighten monitoring, particularly in light of Mount Semeru’s increased activity,” he remarked.
In December 2023, the Icelandic Meteorological Office announced a heightened possibility of a new volcanic eruption near the village of Grindavik, as volcanic magma accumulates in a network of underground tunnels and caves.
According to the office, certain areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula, located southwest of the capital Reykjavik, have risen to levels similar to those observed before the previous eruption on December 18.
The Meteorological Office elaborated, stating, “As the accumulation of volcanic magma continues beneath Svartsengi, the likelihood of a new magma surge and eruption increases with each passing day.”
