JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia raised the alert status of the Mount Merapi volcano to the highest level on Saturday, prompting a compulsory evacuation of thousands of residents living on the slopes, officials said.
"This morning we raised the status of Merapi to the top alert, which is the red code. Every resident has been ordered to evacuate," Subandrio, head of the Merapi section at the Center for Volcanological Research and Technology Development, told Reuters.
Residents said they could see lava flowing and thick smoke rising from Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has been rumbling for weeks.
"I could see the lava clearly from my home this morning. Then they ordered us to evacuate our village," said Anton, a 25-year-old resident of Boyong village, around 8 km (5 miles) from Merapi.
Television footage showed lava flowing out of the crater while thick clouds of smoke rose upwards and a large fireball burst into the night sky.
Despite the increased seismic activity and the lava which had flowed around 1.6 km (1 mile) from the volcano's crater, Subandrio could not say when the volcano was likely to erupt.
Dali, another vulcanologist, told Reuters the top alert -- also known as code red or 'danger' status -- meant that technically the mountain could erupt within the next 24 hours.
Merapi, which means "Mountain of Fire," lies near the ancient city of Yogyakarta at the center of densely populated Java island. It killed 70 people in a 1994 eruption and 1,300 in 1930.
ARMY AND POLICE INVOLVED
Government officials along with army and police evacuated more than 5,000 people living near the volcano to tents and shelters in safe areas following the new alert level.
"Everything ran smoothly, just like the exercises we used to have before. They have evacuated us to the village office," one local resident told Reuters by telephone.
The local government has been struggling to conduct mass evacuation as some villagers living on the slopes refuse to be moved because they rely on natural signs rather official orders.
Residents say signals would include lightning around the mountain's peak or animals moving down its slopes.
"We have prepared tents and shelters for 5,000 people. Most villagers have been notified about the latest status," Susilo Purwanto, an official at the disaster management unit in Sleman regency near Merapi, told Reuters.
Another official at a Merapi evacuation post said the evacuation process was going according to plan.
"So far, we have not faced any significant problem during the evacuation process. We are first evacuating the elderly and children," Hery Prawoto told Reuters.
"We got a lot of help from the military and local businesses."
Television footage showed woman and children being moved in trucks, with their belongings wrapped in bundles of cloth.
Indonesia, which has the world's highest density of volcanoes, had already moved thousands of people away from Merapi, but officials put the total number of residents on and near the mountain at around 14,000.
Most Javanese villagers consider the mountain sacred. Every year a priest climbs to the top to make an offering.
Many Indonesians also see activity in Mount Merapi as an omen of looming political unrest. Merapi is also close to Borobudur, a 1,200-year-old temple complex that is one of Indonesia's most famous tourist sites.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060513/ts_nm/...ia_volcano_dc_5
Full Version: Indonesia volcano on "danger" status
THE Ben posting in OUR indonesian forum? are my eyes deceiving me??
Dali, another vulcanologist, told Reuters the top alert -- also known as code red or 'danger' status -- meant that technically the mountain could erupt within the next 24 hours.
OH NO!
Residents said they could see lava flowing and thick smoke rising from Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has been rumbling for weeks.
how dangerous?
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
oh dear
Dali, another vulcanologist, told Reuters the top alert -- also known as code red or 'danger' status -- meant that technically the mountain could erupt within the next 24 hours.
OH NO!
Residents said they could see lava flowing and thick smoke rising from Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has been rumbling for weeks.
how dangerous?
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
oh dear
QUOTE(purple @ May 13 2006, 07:57 PM) [snapback]1844853[/snapback]
THE Ben posting in OUR indonesian forum? are my eyes deceiving me??
Dali, another vulcanologist, told Reuters the top alert -- also known as code red or 'danger' status -- meant that technically the mountain could erupt within the next 24 hours.
OH NO!
Residents said they could see lava flowing and thick smoke rising from Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has been rumbling for weeks.
how dangerous?
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
oh dear
wht do you care?
my family is there OK?? you are judgemental and insensitive! thank YOU for ruining my evening!
QUOTE(purple @ May 13 2006, 08:01 PM) [snapback]1844862[/snapback]
my family is there OK?? you are judgemental and insensitive! thank YOU for ruining my evening!
sorry neng.. ngga tau koq.. I wish your family over there are safe...
QUOTE(Aranadhel @ May 13 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]1844871[/snapback]
sorry neng.. ngga tau koq.. I wish your family over there are safe...
amin
Merapi is near where the Borobodur is situated. The giant monument was covered by the volcanic lava of Merapi for centuries before being discovered in the 19th century.
@purple --- I sincerely wish that your family has been evacuated safely.
Merapi Volcano is responsible on destroying the ancient capital of Mataram Kingdom.
The kingdom that built Borobudur and Prambanan temple.
The view of Merapi volcano from Prambanan temple.
The eruption swept the ancient capital with pyroclastic wave, hot lava, and lahar (cold lava with mud).
The celebrated capital of Mataram sugested to be at the area now known as Prambanan and Klaten distric.
One of hundreds Buddhas on Borobudur Arupadhatu terrace, overlook the Merapi Volcano for over a millenia.
The view of Merapi volcano from Borobudur Stupas.
Many expert believe (although still disputable) the massive Merapi eruption took place on September 1006. Guess what, it's a millenia ago.
Could this means the historic Merapi Great eruption will happen again in our time....?
The catastrophy simply destroy the capital. Thus bringing the end to Mataram Sanjaya-Syailendra dynasty. The capital move eastward by Mpu Sindok, his reign marks the new Isyana dynasty.
Here's the example of Merapi eruption effect.
Sambisari Temple (From the 10th Century)
This Shiva temple was discovered in 1966, located about twelve kilometers east of Yogyakarta, on the north of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo. The temple is very unique. It was covered by volcanic ash and dust because of the eruption of mount Merapi in 1006 and became buried six and a half meters below the surface of surrounding land but remained in perfect condition.
The kingdom that built Borobudur and Prambanan temple.
The view of Merapi volcano from Prambanan temple.
The eruption swept the ancient capital with pyroclastic wave, hot lava, and lahar (cold lava with mud).
The celebrated capital of Mataram sugested to be at the area now known as Prambanan and Klaten distric.
One of hundreds Buddhas on Borobudur Arupadhatu terrace, overlook the Merapi Volcano for over a millenia.
The view of Merapi volcano from Borobudur Stupas.
Many expert believe (although still disputable) the massive Merapi eruption took place on September 1006. Guess what, it's a millenia ago.
Could this means the historic Merapi Great eruption will happen again in our time....?
The catastrophy simply destroy the capital. Thus bringing the end to Mataram Sanjaya-Syailendra dynasty. The capital move eastward by Mpu Sindok, his reign marks the new Isyana dynasty.
Here's the example of Merapi eruption effect.
Sambisari Temple (From the 10th Century)
This Shiva temple was discovered in 1966, located about twelve kilometers east of Yogyakarta, on the north of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo. The temple is very unique. It was covered by volcanic ash and dust because of the eruption of mount Merapi in 1006 and became buried six and a half meters below the surface of surrounding land but remained in perfect condition.
QUOTE(purple @ May 13 2006, 08:01 PM) [snapback]1844862[/snapback]
my family is there OK?? you are judgemental and insensitive! thank YOU for ruining my evening!
bukan your whole family in australia?
hopes everything will be alrite. The government has done everything they could to avoid victims. The Sultan has announced danger status yesterday.
wow I been seeing pics of merapi all over the internet
QUOTE(Majapahitans @ May 13 2006, 06:52 PM) [snapback]1845395[/snapback]
Merapi Volcano is responsible on destroying the ancient capital of Mataram Kingdom.
The kingdom that built Borobudur and Prambanan temple.
The view of Merapi volcano from Prambanan temple.
The eruption swept the ancient capital with pyroclastic wave, hot lava, and lahar (cold lava with mud).
The celebrated capital of Mataram sugested to be at the area now known as Prambanan and Klaten distric.
I had no idea that it's Gunung Merapi in the background! The news on tv mentioned that a 12km restriction zone around the volcano has been put in place. I hope enough. What must it be like to live near an active volcano? Just a rhethorical question.
I hope Borobudur isn't gonna collapse.
Hopefully there'll be very minimal/no loss of human life, even if it does erupt.
Everyone there should be evicted.
If city of Magelang declared safe so Borobudur should be safe, the distance of mount Merapi to Borobudur equal to distance of Mount merapi to heart city of Magelang, around 26 kms.
QUOTE(purple @ May 13 2006, 06:57 PM) [snapback]1844853[/snapback]
THE Ben posting in OUR indonesian forum? are my eyes deceiving me??
me too...
QUOTE(han2 @ May 15 2006, 01:14 AM) [snapback]1848076[/snapback]
Hopefully there'll be very minimal/no loss of human life, even if it does erupt.
Amin...
i hope people will be okay. what's the emergency protocol being done?
Netherlands news just showed the lava streams etc. Many Dutch-Indo mixed incl. me, have anchestry from that region so we are with you.
^ Merapi and Buddha 'by night'.
^ Merapi and Buddha 'by night'.
Erupting Merapi's Guardian Not Scared
Thousands Flee As Volcano Blows But Spiritual Leader Won't Run
MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia, May 15, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A policeman guarding a checkpoint leading to the upper villages on Indonesia's Merapi volcano looks at a giant cloud of hot gas and debris spewed out by the erupting volcano Monday May 15, 2006 in Slemen village, outside Yogyakarta, the capital of Central Java province, Indonesia. (AP Photo)
(AP) As thousands of people flee Indonesia's erupting Mount Merapi, the 80-year-old man entrusted by royalty to watch over the volcano's spirits is going nowhere — and insists the mountain is safe.
Clouds of deadly ash, rock fragments and hot gas surged down Merapi's slopes Monday as activity intensified to the highest level since the volcano rumbled back to life weeks ago.
One eruption sent an avalanche of debris and ash rolling more than 2 miles down the mountain's western flank, said Ratdomopurbo, the region's chief vulcanologist. It was followed by several other huge explosions.
"There is no risk," Maridjan said outside his home just four miles from the crater, which was billowing ash and searing-hot gas clouds Monday. "I am still waiting here."
Maridjan, who jokes constantly with visitors and occasionally falls into a trancelike state while looking at the peak, was given the official title of "key holder of Mount Merapi" by the highly respected late king of the nearby court city, Jogjakarta.
He leads yearly ceremonies when rice and flowers are thrown into the crater to appease spirits that he and most other nearby villagers believe live over the mountain, which rises from the heart of Indonesia's mystical island of Java.
His refusal to budge is angering local authorities in charge of evacuation efforts. They say he is setting a wrong example, stopping other villagers from leaving.
Police officers on Monday visited his village, deep within the mandatory evacuation zone around the country's deadliest volcano, and fruitlessly tried to change his mind.
Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid telephoned him last week with the same request, one of Maridjan's aides said.
"People have to realize that Maridjan is not a god," said Widi Sutikno, the official coordinating the government's emergency operation, who noted that Jogyakarta's current ruler has called for all to leave the mountain.
But Maridjan, who inherited the honorary position from his father, insists he will not go, saying he is waiting for a sign from the long-dead king who appointed him. A handful of other people in his village are also staying behind with him.
Maridjan and many others living on Merapi's fertile foothills offer a glimpse into Indonesia's deeply mystical and Hindu-Buddhist traditions, which have more recently been overlaid with Islam, the professed faith of the more than 90 percent of the country's 220 million people.
Maridjan says there "are many spirits above the mountain, too many to count."
Although he is a practicing Muslim, many fellow believers would likely consider some of his beliefs a violation of their strictly monotheistic faith.
Visitors to Maridjan's house address him as Mbah, an honorific title meaning grandfather, and speak to him in a high form of the local language reserved for people of status.
One police officer sent to persuade him to come down off the mountain says he, too, is an admirer.
"He has a special connection to Mount Merapi," said Eko Rudi, as he walked off to perform the midday Islamic prayer. "When I am with him, I feel like a child talking to his father."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/15/...in1617111.shtml
Thousands Flee As Volcano Blows But Spiritual Leader Won't Run
MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia, May 15, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A policeman guarding a checkpoint leading to the upper villages on Indonesia's Merapi volcano looks at a giant cloud of hot gas and debris spewed out by the erupting volcano Monday May 15, 2006 in Slemen village, outside Yogyakarta, the capital of Central Java province, Indonesia. (AP Photo)
(AP) As thousands of people flee Indonesia's erupting Mount Merapi, the 80-year-old man entrusted by royalty to watch over the volcano's spirits is going nowhere — and insists the mountain is safe.
Clouds of deadly ash, rock fragments and hot gas surged down Merapi's slopes Monday as activity intensified to the highest level since the volcano rumbled back to life weeks ago.
One eruption sent an avalanche of debris and ash rolling more than 2 miles down the mountain's western flank, said Ratdomopurbo, the region's chief vulcanologist. It was followed by several other huge explosions.
"There is no risk," Maridjan said outside his home just four miles from the crater, which was billowing ash and searing-hot gas clouds Monday. "I am still waiting here."
Maridjan, who jokes constantly with visitors and occasionally falls into a trancelike state while looking at the peak, was given the official title of "key holder of Mount Merapi" by the highly respected late king of the nearby court city, Jogjakarta.
He leads yearly ceremonies when rice and flowers are thrown into the crater to appease spirits that he and most other nearby villagers believe live over the mountain, which rises from the heart of Indonesia's mystical island of Java.
His refusal to budge is angering local authorities in charge of evacuation efforts. They say he is setting a wrong example, stopping other villagers from leaving.
Police officers on Monday visited his village, deep within the mandatory evacuation zone around the country's deadliest volcano, and fruitlessly tried to change his mind.
Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid telephoned him last week with the same request, one of Maridjan's aides said.
"People have to realize that Maridjan is not a god," said Widi Sutikno, the official coordinating the government's emergency operation, who noted that Jogyakarta's current ruler has called for all to leave the mountain.
But Maridjan, who inherited the honorary position from his father, insists he will not go, saying he is waiting for a sign from the long-dead king who appointed him. A handful of other people in his village are also staying behind with him.
Maridjan and many others living on Merapi's fertile foothills offer a glimpse into Indonesia's deeply mystical and Hindu-Buddhist traditions, which have more recently been overlaid with Islam, the professed faith of the more than 90 percent of the country's 220 million people.
Maridjan says there "are many spirits above the mountain, too many to count."
Although he is a practicing Muslim, many fellow believers would likely consider some of his beliefs a violation of their strictly monotheistic faith.
Visitors to Maridjan's house address him as Mbah, an honorific title meaning grandfather, and speak to him in a high form of the local language reserved for people of status.
One police officer sent to persuade him to come down off the mountain says he, too, is an admirer.
"He has a special connection to Mount Merapi," said Eko Rudi, as he walked off to perform the midday Islamic prayer. "When I am with him, I feel like a child talking to his father."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/15/...in1617111.shtml
For archaeology buffs;
Candi Morangan, near Kalasan, Yogyakarta ; one of many recent archaeological discoveries in the foothills of Mt Merapi
Candi Morangan, near Kalasan, Yogyakarta ; one of many recent archaeological discoveries in the foothills of Mt Merapi
QUOTE(purnomor @ May 15 2006, 09:31 PM) [snapback]1850643[/snapback]
Maridjan and many others living on Merapi's fertile foothills offer a glimpse into Indonesia's deeply mystical and Hindu-Buddhist traditions, which have more recently been overlaid with Islam, the professed faith of the more than 90 percent of the country's 220 million people.
Maridjan says there "are many spirits above the mountain, too many to count."
Although he is a practicing Muslim, many fellow believers would likely consider some of his beliefs a violation of their strictly monotheistic faith.
Visitors to Maridjan's house address him as Mbah, an honorific title meaning grandfather, and speak to him in a high form of the local language reserved for people of status.
One police officer sent to persuade him to come down off the mountain says he, too, is an admirer.
"He has a special connection to Mount Merapi," said Eko Rudi, as he walked off to perform the midday Islamic prayer. "When I am with him, I feel like a child talking to his father."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/15/...in1617111.shtml
That is the original faith of Indonesians, the mystical spiritual world. Most of our own societies have lost that connection, but I am happy to see in parts of Indonesia, it persists..
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 16 2006, 03:24 PM) [snapback]1852909[/snapback]
That is the original faith of Indonesians, the mystical spiritual world. Most of our own societies have lost that connection, but I am happy to see in parts of Indonesia, it persists..
of course.. pity you dont hv dat sorta thing in Singapore.. oh.. did I just say pity? hahahhaha...
I know you dislike Singaporean. That's the trouble with you, as one of those typically annoying Malaysians I come across all my life... you pick on anyone just because they are Singaporean. Sighzzz...
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 16 2006, 07:25 PM) [snapback]1853274[/snapback]
I know you dislike Singaporean. That's the trouble with you, as one of those typically annoying Malaysians I come across all my life... you pick on anyone just because they are Singaporean. Sighzzz...
basically the whole of Malaysia does.. whtevr la... your people & their kiasuness... we dont give a damn..
QUOTE(Aranadhel @ May 16 2006, 02:33 PM) [snapback]1853283[/snapback]
basically the whole of Malaysia does.. whtevr la... your people & their kiasuness... we dont give a damn..
Please try not to speak as if you are representing the whole of MALAYSIA... Mr Annoying Git.
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 16 2006, 07:36 PM) [snapback]1853289[/snapback]
Please try not to speak as if you are representing the whole of MALAYSIA... Mr Annoying Git.
why dont you just shut up.. taking Malaysia's identity in every which way..
Go and bully some other little gals elsewhere, Mr Annoying Git.
yeah shut up arandhel, no one likes you!
aran you don't show some respects here to others. Do you want to be like Tengku Afif, diusir sama yg lain?
QUOTE(purple @ May 16 2006, 08:22 PM) [snapback]1853371[/snapback]
yeah shut up arandhel, no one likes you!
and I still like you!
QUOTE(furansizuka @ May 16 2006, 08:36 PM) [snapback]1853415[/snapback]
aran you don't show some respects here to others. Do you want to be like Tengku Afif, diusir sama yg lain?
nay furan.. this is somethin else.. singapore.. my.. a lot of sympathisers in this forum... til next time..
QUOTE(Aranadhel @ May 16 2006, 07:47 AM) [snapback]1853441[/snapback]
nay furan.. this is somethin else.. singapore.. my.. a lot of sympathisers in this forum... til next time..
I never think about someone's background or what her/his nationality in this forum. I see each of you as a person. I see Tangawizi as a good friend. And I hope I don't have to change my mind about you as one of my good friends too.
QUOTE(furansizuka @ May 16 2006, 08:54 PM) [snapback]1853466[/snapback]
I never think about someone's background or what her/his nationality in this forum. I see each of you as a person. I see Tangawizi as a good friend. And I hope I don't have to change my mind about you as one of my good friends too.
no worries.
^ i will pray for those affected by this disaster.
wow..it erupted !!! crazyyyy...I hope the ppl are all ok
So far so good out there.
Can u feel the rumble where u are in Jakarta, Furan? The last time a volcano in the Congo rumbled, we could feel all the way in our building in Nairobi! eek!
Mas Londoh, u can see Merapi from Solo? Would u mind taking some snaps and post it for us to experience?
Mas Londoh, u can see Merapi from Solo? Would u mind taking some snaps and post it for us to experience?
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 17 2006, 12:08 AM) [snapback]1856551[/snapback]
Mas Londoh, u can see Merapi from Solo? Would u mind taking some snaps and post it for us to experience?
Ayam sori Mbak Tangga, Solo lies East of the Merapi, and when the Merapi errupts it is always into the western direction, so no snaps (Schnapps
). The mountain is also 44 kms away so quite small, although I am always very impressed by it. Yesterday I took a pic of the frontpage of "Kompas", for those Dutchies, who won't go to Yogya because they're scared (don't know what they are missing) may that will satisfy your curiosity. 
^damn that looks pretty scary. i remember when pinatubo erupted i thought it was snowing in Manila. the next day everywhere was covered by layers of ash.
Hot clouds of 300 degr. Celsius. Can boil eggs pretty fast with that
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 17 2006, 12:08 AM) [snapback]1856551[/snapback]
Can u feel the rumble where u are in Jakarta, Furan? The last time a volcano in the Congo rumbled, we could feel all the way in our building in Nairobi! eek!
No, my place is far far away from it. I live in West Java. But last week I could feel the rumble of tectonic located in Sumatra.
QUOTE(londoh @ May 17 2006, 08:33 AM) [snapback]1856623[/snapback]
Ayam sori Mbak Tangga, Solo lies East of the Merapi, and when the Merapi errupts it is always into the western direction, so no snaps (Schnapps
). The mountain is also 44 kms away so quite small, although I am always very impressed by it. Yesterday I took a pic of the frontpage of "Kompas", for those Dutchies, who won't go to Yogya because they're scared (don't know what they are missing) may that will satisfy your curiosity. Yikes!!!! It sure looks hot and steamy up there!! I have read in a Balinese memoir that the hot ashes can streak through the skies and melt you alive if you happen to stand in its pathway. Be careful, folks! U could easily be satay ayam or sapi if unlucky..
QUOTE(furansizuka @ May 17 2006, 08:39 AM) [snapback]1856638[/snapback]
No, my place is far far away from it. I live in West Java. But last week I could feel the rumble of tectonic located in Sumatra.
Maybe connected with Merapi?
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 17 2006, 01:42 AM) [snapback]1856765[/snapback]
Maybe connected with Merapi?
Maybe coincidence but last week the Marapi in Sumatera Barat came into action.
There is a story that if the Merapi erupts there will be political changes in Indonesia. But I don't know what the exact meaning behind this is. Maybe a specialist on Budaya Jowo ?
What is Budaya Jowo?
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 17 2006, 03:05 AM) [snapback]1856939[/snapback]
What is Budaya Jowo?
Javanese culture
QUOTE(londoh @ May 17 2006, 09:51 AM) [snapback]1856788[/snapback]
Maybe coincidence but last week the Marapi in Sumatera Barat came into action.
There is a story that if the Merapi erupts there will be political changes in Indonesia. But I don't know what the exact meaning behind this is. Maybe a specialist on Budaya Jowo ?
Hmmmm.........maybe Indonesians will rise up and both Holland and USA will become colonies after all?
QUOTE(tangawizi @ May 17 2006, 05:24 AM) [snapback]1857338[/snapback]
Hmmmm.........maybe Indonesians will rise up and both Holland and USA will become colonies after all?
That will only last one season as they won't survive the northern winter on patatoes
QUOTE(Ben @ May 13 2006, 04:47 PM) [snapback]1844837[/snapback]
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia raised the alert status of the Mount Merapi volcano to the highest level on Saturday, prompting a compulsory evacuation of thousands of residents living on the slopes, officials said.
"This morning we raised the status of Merapi to the top alert, which is the red code. Every resident has been ordered to evacuate," Subandrio, head of the Merapi section at the Center for Volcanological Research and Technology Development, told Reuters.
Residents said they could see lava flowing and thick smoke rising from Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has been rumbling for weeks.
"I could see the lava clearly from my home this morning. Then they ordered us to evacuate our village," said Anton, a 25-year-old resident of Boyong village, around 8 km (5 miles) from Merapi.
Television footage showed lava flowing out of the crater while thick clouds of smoke rose upwards and a large fireball burst into the night sky.
Despite the increased seismic activity and the lava which had flowed around 1.6 km (1 mile) from the volcano's crater, Subandrio could not say when the volcano was likely to erupt.
Dali, another vulcanologist, told Reuters the top alert -- also known as code red or 'danger' status -- meant that technically the mountain could erupt within the next 24 hours.
Merapi, which means "Mountain of Fire," lies near the ancient city of Yogyakarta at the center of densely populated Java island. It killed 70 people in a 1994 eruption and 1,300 in 1930.
ARMY AND POLICE INVOLVED
Government officials along with army and police evacuated more than 5,000 people living near the volcano to tents and shelters in safe areas following the new alert level.
"Everything ran smoothly, just like the exercises we used to have before. They have evacuated us to the village office," one local resident told Reuters by telephone.
The local government has been struggling to conduct mass evacuation as some villagers living on the slopes refuse to be moved because they rely on natural signs rather official orders.
Residents say signals would include lightning around the mountain's peak or animals moving down its slopes.
"We have prepared tents and shelters for 5,000 people. Most villagers have been notified about the latest status," Susilo Purwanto, an official at the disaster management unit in Sleman regency near Merapi, told Reuters.
Another official at a Merapi evacuation post said the evacuation process was going according to plan.
"So far, we have not faced any significant problem during the evacuation process. We are first evacuating the elderly and children," Hery Prawoto told Reuters.
"We got a lot of help from the military and local businesses."
Television footage showed woman and children being moved in trucks, with their belongings wrapped in bundles of cloth.
Indonesia, which has the world's highest density of volcanoes, had already moved thousands of people away from Merapi, but officials put the total number of residents on and near the mountain at around 14,000.
Most Javanese villagers consider the mountain sacred. Every year a priest climbs to the top to make an offering.
Many Indonesians also see activity in Mount Merapi as an omen of looming political unrest. Merapi is also close to Borobudur, a 1,200-year-old temple complex that is one of Indonesia's most famous tourist sites.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060513/ts_nm/...ia_volcano_dc_5
INCHAALAH ...........NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO OUR INDONESIAN PEOPLE ........AMEEN....AMINE
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