TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government has refused to reopen the Mount Merapi hiking trails despite mounting pressure from residents living around the volcano. During a coordination meeting at the Boyolali Regent's Office on Thursday, July 16, local administration officials, the Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG), and the Mount Merapi National Park agency agreed to maintain the trekking ban due to imminent eruption threats.
BPPTKG head Agus Budi Santoso stated that the zone within a three-kilometer radius of Mount Merapi's peak remains highly vulnerable to explosive eruptions. He explained that the unpredictable nature of an explosive eruption means volcanic debris can be blasted in any direction, making it impossible to map out specific safe zones.
"The three-kilometer radius is off-limits due to the hazards of a potential explosive eruption. In the event of an explosive eruption, volcanic material can measure up to 220 centimeters, posing a lethal threat to anyone in the area," Agus warned after the meeting.
He noted that current volcanic activity at Mount Merapi exhibits clear hazards that make reopening the trails out of the question. Among the key indicators is the intense and continuous occurrence of pyroclastic flows, which are currently recorded hundreds of times a day. "Given the high probability of an explosive eruption that could endanger climbers, we do not recommend the resumption of any hiking activities," he said.
Agus pointed out that the threat of an explosive blast differs fundamentally from typical lava or debris flows, which usually follow established paths down the slopes. An explosive eruption, by contrast, has the volatile capacity to burst in multiple directions simultaneously. "In an explosive eruption, the danger radiates in all directions because of its explosive nature. Wind patterns might dictate a dominant drift, but the reality is that the threat of an explosive blast blankets all sectors," he explained.
Agus also dismissed claims that the northern slope of Mount Merapi is inherently safer than other flanks. BPPTKG records show that several previous explosive episodes have directly targeted the northern sector. "More than 20 explosive or phreatic eruptions have occurred since 2012. On several occasions, these blasts were directed straight toward the north. Therefore, we cannot simply assume that the northern flank is safe," he cautioned.
He recalled a 2013 incident where a sudden explosive blast showered rocks onto the Pasar Bubrah area, located just one kilometer from Merapi's summit. "For instance, during the 2013 explosive eruption, volcanic rocks reached Pasar Bubrah, which is within the high-risk one-kilometer zone," Agus explained.
He clarified that while BPPTKG is strictly responsible for issuing technical safety recommendations regarding disaster-prone zones, the executive authority to open or close the trails rests entirely with the park management. "Formally and officially, we still do not advise hiking to the peak of Mount Merapi," he reiterated.
Local Complaints and Economic Concerns
Heri Wibowo, head of the Mount Merapi National Park, noted that the coordination meeting served as a crucial forum to balance local community interests against pressing safety concerns. He acknowledged that villagers have expressed deep anxieties over the prolonged closure of the trekking routes. "I just met the local community directly. They have voiced many things, including complaints and issues there," Heri said.
He affirmed that the trails will remain closed until BPPTKG alters its technical assessment of the volcano. Nevertheless, the government is actively seeking alternative solutions to sustain the local economy without compromising public safety.
Alongside exploring economic alternatives, the Mount Merapi National Park office intends to crack down on illegal trekking activities. This decision follows a string of social media posts showing trespassers climbing Merapi despite the active ban.
Ground patrols will be stepped up, and faded or missing warning signs will be replaced along the routes. "We are also tightening security and monitoring at guard posts," he added.
Sanctions Against Illegal Hikers
Heri revealed that authorities have already penalized 67 individuals caught trespassing into the restricted Merapi zone between late 2025 and July 2026. "From late 2025 up to this July, we caught 67 individuals (illegal hikers). We have documented all their details. Sanctions have been imposed on all of them," he stated.
Still, he conceded that these administrative penalties have failed to serve as an effective deterrent. The vast majority of those caught flouting the rules are young adults. "On average, those we caught were high school to college students," he said.
Heri explained that under normal circumstances, penalties for illegal trekking involve blacklisting and standard fines. However, if trespassers damage the conservation area or vandalize monitoring equipment, the infractions escalate into criminal offenses. "Any destruction of the forest, damage to park infrastructure, loss or vandalism of BPPTKG monitoring gear, or triggering of wildfires will be treated as criminal acts," he warned.
Read: Mount Semeru Eruption Triggers Ash Rain in Lumajang
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