Indonesia Maintains Mount Merapi Hiking Ban Amidst Eruption Fears

Hiking trails on Mount Merapi will remain closed, Indonesian authorities confirmed Thursday, despite calls to reopen them. Officials cited the persistent threat of explosive eruptions and the volcano's unpredictable nature as reasons to maintain the ban, prioritizing public safety over recreational access.

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The three-kilometer radius is off-limits due to the hazards of a potential explosive eruption. In the event of an explosive eruption, volcanic material can measure up to 220 centimeters, posing a lethal threat to anyone in the area.

The Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG) head, Agus Budi Santoso, emphasized the extreme danger within a three-kilometer radius of the summit. He explained that explosive eruptions can eject volcanic material up to 220 centimeters in any direction, posing a lethal threat. "The three-kilometer radius is off-limits due to the hazards of a potential explosive eruption," Agus warned, noting that current activity includes hundreds of daily pyroclastic flows.

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Given the high probability of an explosive eruption that could endanger climbers, we do not recommend the resumption of any hiking activities.

Agus clarified that explosive blasts differ significantly from typical lava flows, which tend to follow predictable paths. "In an explosive eruption, the danger radiates in all directions because of its explosive nature," he stated. He also refuted claims that the northern slope is inherently safer, recalling a 2013 incident where an explosive blast directly impacted that sector. While BPPTKG provides safety recommendations, the final decision on trail access rests with the national park agency.

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In an explosive eruption, the danger radiates in all directions because of its explosive nature. Wind patterns might dictate a dominant drift, but the reality is that the threat of an explosive blast blankets all sectors.