REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian authorities have raised the status of Mount Slamet in Central Java from normal to alert level as of 9 p.m. on Monday, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Mount Slamet, which straddles the five districts of Pemalang, Banyumas, Brebes, Tegal, and Purbalingga has shown signs of increased earth tremor activity since March 2, Head of the BNPB Data and Information Center Sutopo Purwo Nugroho stated in a short message text on Tuesday.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) recorded a total of 441 gushing earthquakes and nine shallow volcanic earthquakes between March 8 and 10.

"The PVMBG has reported the increased status of the volcano to the BNPB head," he noted.

Sutopo has requested the local people to remain calm despite the increased activity of the highest volcano in Java.

"No local residents, tourists and climbers are allowed to carry out activities within a 2-km radius of Mount Slamet's crater," he emphasized.

Among the steps that must be taken by the local disaster mitigation board are informing the local residents of the volcano's increased status, assessing the extent of danger, and checking evacuation facilities, he asserted.

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