Toxic crater open to public

SEMARANG: Central Java governor Soewardi played down yesterday the danger of poisonous gas emitted by a new crater on Mt. Dieng, saying the level of toxicity was so low it could be ignored.

The Banjarnegara area, a popular holiday resort, would not be closed to the public, but the governor asked people to stay alert for a possible increase in the level of toxicity.

"The area is very popular with holidaymakers. We have no plans to close it at the moment," Soewardi said, reported Antara.

The crater was "discovered" on Dec. 31 by a group of farmers from Karangsari village, who believe it was caused by the geothermal mining exploration activities by PT Himpurna California Energy Ltd (PT HCE). But officials said it was a natural phenomenon.

Officials in charge of monitoring volcanic activity on Dieng said the crater has been highly active over the past three days, spewing smoke and mud five up to 15 meters into the air.

They said the crater spewed a high concentration of poisonous gas Sunday, but caused no injury. (pan)