JAKARTA: In keeping with President Prabowo Subianto's instruction, Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia (pic) has begun monitoring volcanic activities across Indonesia to ensure geological safety during the New Year 2025 holiday period, reported Indonesian News Agency (Antara).
Bahlil, accompanied by head of ESDM Ministry's Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid, and legislator Gandung Pardiman, conducted surveillance at the Merapi Volcano Observation Post in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, on Dec 29.
"I come here alongside Gandung and the head of the Geological Agency to ensure that the activities of volcanoes across Indonesia are well monitored. Mount Merapi's status is at Level III," the minister noted in his office's statement cited here on Monday.
Bahlil affirmed that his ministry's Geological Agency had been closely overseeing Indonesia's numerous volcanoes.
"I have visited Cilegon to monitor Mount Krakatau. I always make the most of my visit to regions to inspect observation posts, aligning with Prabowo's instruction to check on facilities that are vital to people's safety," the minister stated.
Meanwhile, Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid highlighted that seven volcanoes in Indonesia are currently at the danger status of Level III.
The volcanoes are Mount Awu, Mount Karangetang, and Mount Lokon in North Sulawesi Province; Mount Iya and Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara Province; Mount Ibu in North Maluku Province, and Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta Province.
"We will continue to monitor all volcanoes, including those sitting in tourism areas. Our surveillance systems have always been in place irrespective of the Christmas and New Year holidays," he pointed out.
Alluding to Mount Merapi, Muhammad alerted people to the potential for cold lava floods triggered by high-intensity rains in areas adjacent to the Gendol, Boyong and Kuning rivers, which originate from the volcano's peak. - Bernama-Antara
