U.S. Embassy Jakarta
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya

Warden Message [released May 12, 2006]


The U.S. Embassy informs Americans in Indonesia that as of May 12, 2006 the Indonesian Center for Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation still maintains the alert status for Mt. Merapi Volcano in Central Java at Level 3. Authorities have stated that volcanic activity is increasing and that they may raise the alert status to Level 4 soon. Level 4 means an eruption is imminent and people should evacuate the area near the volcano immediately. On May 11, Indonesia's Vice President ordered local authorities to begin evacuation of people living in villages closest to the volcano. The Embassy urges Americans to avoid all areas within a 12-kilometer (7.5 mile) radius of Mt. Merapi and to obey all instructions from Indonesian authorities in the volcano zone. Authorities have forbidden climbing on Mt. Merapi until further notice, and advised miners and local residents to evacuate all areas near the mountain.

As of May 12, 2006 Indonesian vulcanology experts do not consider the city of Yogyakarta to be in danger from lava flows when Mt. Merapi erupts. However, Americans residing in or visiting Yogyakarta should be aware that smoke and ash could disrupt air travel when Mt. Merapi erupts. Some people may experience respiratory difficulties from heavy smoke and ash in the air.

Updated information on volcanoes in Indonesia is available on the websites listed below. The Embassy encourages all Americans residing in or visiting areas near volcanoes to consult these websites frequently and to adhere to all safety instructions from Indonesian authorities.

http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/portal/html/index.php
http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/general_info/index.htm
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov

The Embassy reminds Americans that the information in the November 18, 2005 Travel Warning for Indonesia and in recent warden messages remains valid. All security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, recent Embassy warden messages, and registration information are posted on the Embassy's website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov .