Indonesia Raises Alert Level as Semeru Volcano Erupts

The Indonesian government has heightened the alert status for Mount Semeru in East Java and restricted tourism activities around the area following the volcano's recent eruption.

Indonesia's Antara News Agency reported that the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, has urged communities around Mount Semeru to remain vigilant.

He stated, "In collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency and other relevant institutions, we have issued a circular regarding staying alert about tourism activities."

The minister emphasized the importance of following the instructions from park rangers and site managers, as well as staying updated with the latest weather forecasts, especially after Mount Semeru's volcanic activity intensified with two eruptions occurring on Saturday.

This led authorities to escalate the alert level to level three.

Activities within the southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan River, situated 13 kilometers from the volcano's summit and 500 meters from the riverbank, are now prohibited.

According to the Minister, residents are advised to remain alert to potential hazards such as pyroclastic flows, volcanic lava, and lahars along the Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat rivers, as well as the tributaries of the Besuk Kobokan river.

"We have instructed all tourism offices in the regions to enhance monitoring, particularly given the increased activity of Mount Semeru," he added.