Jakarta flights by non-IR airlines have resumed operating normally, after a brief disruption over the weekend.

Apparently Borobudor is covered in volcanic ash and Amanjiwo is temporarily not accepting guests.

Thanks for the update, ML.

Merapi update?
 

In what I can find, it appears life is beginning to return to normal in the Merapi area as much as possible considering the circumstances. However, still lots of devastation (difficulty accessing water, destroyed crops, etc.).

Does anybody have a first hand recent update on the the area? Including Borobudur?

Any thoughts about traveling there this spring?

What effect has the ash had on the surrounding areas? (people, cities, vegatation?)

Any information you can provide is most appreciated!

Lark

I was also referred to this site if you want to find a way to support efforts to recover in the area:

http://merapiaid.blogspot.com/2010/11/merapi-aid.html

Other sites:

http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/ta_11102010.html

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns...987014989.html

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns...151344463.html

OK, I'll add my own update...
 

Anybody else who has recently travelled or is planning to travel to Yogyakarta / Borobudur, I would love to hear from you!

Found this article today:

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2...26-260383.html

"Mount Merapi at peace
The volcano, now quiet once again, is lazily sending smoke up into the air, as it does for at least once 300 days a year.

The ash, sand and stone from its last eruption still covers much of the surrounding area, including the world heritage site of Borobudur, home to Indonesia's greatest Buddhist monuments."