PVMBG: Beware of Increased Activity at Mount Slamet

Purwokerto (ANTARA) - The Head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), Priatin Hadi Wijaya, has revealed an increase in activity at Mount Slamet in Central Java, which requires joint vigilance from local governments and surrounding communities.

“Mount Slamet covers five districts (Banyumas, Purbalingga, Pemalang, Tegal, and Brebes), so our monitoring results need to be communicated to stakeholders to ensure collective preparedness,” said PVMBG Head Priatin during the “Socialisation of Geological Disaster Mitigation in the Mount Slamet Volcanic Area” event held in Purwokerto on Thursday.

He stated that the socialisation serves as an important step to convey the latest developments in the volcano’s activity to local governments, Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), and community leaders, enabling more targeted responses.

According to him, there are two main indicators showing the increased activity at Mount Slamet: rising crater temperatures and volcanic seismic activity.

Additionally, seismic data indicates an increase in low-frequency earthquakes, suggesting magma movement from deeper parts towards shallower depths.

“This condition shows dynamics within the volcano’s body, thus requiring collective vigilance,” he explained.

In conducting monitoring, PVMBG combines visual and instrumental methods, such as monitoring cameras (CCTV), seismographs, tiltmeters, and Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) to track the volcano’s deformation.

“If a rise in activity is possible and recommended by our expert team, then evaluation up to status elevation must be carried out immediately,” said Priatin.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Central Java (Jateng) BPBD, Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, stated that the socialisation provides an important foundation for regions to strengthen disaster mitigation.

He also emphasised the importance of disaster-resilient villages as the frontline in facing potential eruptions.