ER
MINISTER of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan said Mount Merapi is safe to be visited by tourists within three kilometers during Lebaran 2018 holidays.
“We predicted that ash blow will not be dangerous based on the observation post that we have during Lebaran holidays this year,” he stated here.
This was conveyed when he was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Post Team ESDM Eid Al-Fitr in 2018 concurrently Head of Downstream Regulatory Agency for Oil and Gas Fanshurullah Asa reviewed Mount Merapi Observation Post, Ministry of ESDM, Kaliurang, Sleman District, Yogyakarta Province.
According to Jonan, Merapi’s ash that recently emerged was not caused by a magmatic earthquake so it is not dangerous, even if it affects the flight schedule. The flight is tactical nature depends on the blowing and wind speed.
“Therefore, the airport could be opened in Yogyakarta, but the airport in Semarang is closed temporarily. It depends on the ash brought by wind to,” he explained.
His side continues to monitor the activity of Mount Merapi by utilizing the equipment and sending volunteers team to monitor it. The ashes of Merapi volcano which occurred on May 11 and June 1, the monitoring tools in the post still work as usual.
“I assess the tools in this observation post including the sophisticated and good so there is no need for any addition equipment and improvement,” he conveyed.
Jonan asserted during the long holiday travelers are allowed to vacation in Merapi area because the condition is safe but still must keep the distance of three kilometers. [antaranews/photo special]
