Climbers banned from Mt. Slamet

PEMALANG, Central Java: The Mount Slamet observation post in Gambuhan village, Pemalang regency, has banned all climbers and trekkers from the area due to increasing volcanic activity at the mountain.

Sukedi, a member of the observation post, said on Saturday the ban was decided on following a recent earthquake near the mountain.

The last time Mount Slamet erupted was on July 12 and July 13 in 1998.

"We are concerned an eruption like the one five years ago could happen again. So we have banned all climbing and trekking activities to avoid any fatalities," Sukedi said. -- Antara