Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno urged communities around Mount Semeru on Sunday to remain vigilant following the volcano's recent eruption.
"In collaboration with the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) and other relevant institutions, we have issued a circular regarding staying alert in nature- and adventure-based tourism," he said during the Wonderful Run 2024 event in Jakarta.
He emphasized the need to follow instructions from park rangers and hiking site managers, and stay informed with the latest weather updates.
Mount Semeru in East Java erupted twice on Saturday, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to III.
Activities are prohibited within the southeast sector along the Besuk Kobokan river, 13 kilometers away from the volcano’s peak and 500 meters from the riverbank.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant for potential hazards like hot clouds, lava, and lahars along the Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat rivers, as well as tributaries of the Besuk Kobokan river.
Uno stressed that being in danger due to ignorance of the latest information must be avoided by all.
“We instructed all tourism offices in regions to tighten monitoring, particularly in light of Mount Semeru's increased activity,” he remarked.