Banyumas Disaster Agency on Alert for Potential Eruption of Mount Slamet
Purwokerto (ANTARA) - The Banyumas Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Central Java has increased its preparedness following the recent rise in the crater temperature of Mount Slamet.
“We continue to monitor the development of that volcanic activity, particularly regarding the increase in crater temperature and other indicators. We remain vigilant and prepared, although the southern part of Banyumas is still relatively safe,” said the Acting Head of the Banyumas Regency BPBD, Dwi Irawan Sukma, in Purwokerto, Banyumas, on Monday.
He stated that Mount Slamet’s activity had previously declined but is now showing an upward trend, including in terms of crater temperature.
Based on temperature measurements conducted by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) through the Mount Slamet Volcano Observation Post (PGA) in Gambuhan Village, Pulosari Subdistrict, Pemalang Regency, the crater temperature of Mount Slamet on Saturday (18/4) rose again from 461 degrees Celsius to 478 degrees Celsius after having declined in the previous few days.
According to him, this condition is a concern for the BPBD along with related agencies to determine future anticipatory steps.
His side, together with relevant stakeholders such as the Geological Agency and BPBD from other areas around Mount Slamet, including Purbalingga, Pemalang, Tegal, and Brebes, plans to hold a coordination meeting in Purwokerto on Thursday (23/4) to discuss preparedness measures and strengthen mitigation efforts if Mount Slamet’s activity continues to increase.
“We will conduct further discussions on the steps that must be taken, especially in increasing preparedness if there is a significant increase in activity,” he said.
He acknowledged that geographically, Banyumas Regency, located on the southern side of Mount Slamet, is still relatively safe compared to areas on the northern slopes.
Nevertheless, the public is urged not to be complacent and to continue following official information updates from relevant authorities.
According to him, tourism activities in the Baturraden area are still considered safe to date because it is far from the summit crater of Mount Slamet.
He also advised the public not to be easily influenced by unverified information and to continue complying with directives from local government and related agencies.
In addition, the public is asked to increase their independent preparedness, including understanding evacuation routes and steps to take in case of an emergency.
He hopes that the condition of Mount Slamet can soon stabilise so as not to cause broader impacts on the surrounding community.
“We hope the situation improves soon, but vigilance must still be maintained,” said Dwi Irawan.
Previously, the PVMBG Geological Agency on 4 April 2026 expanded the safe zone around the summit crater of Mount Slamet in Central Java from two kilometres to three kilometres in line with the increasing volcanic activity of the mountain, which has been on Alert status (Level II) since 19 October 2023.
The increase in activity is indicated by visual changes and instrumental data, one of which is based on thermal imagery analysis showing a significant rise in crater temperature, from around 247.4 degrees Celsius in September 2024 to 463 degrees Celsius on 3 April 2026, accompanied by the expansion of the hot anomaly area forming a circular pattern around the crater wall.