The Mount Merapi National Park Authority (TNGM) has issued a firm clarification following the circulation of a video on social media showing crowds of hikers on the Selo hiking route. TNGM confirmed that all hiking access to the summit of Mount Merapi remains completely closed to the general public.
Head of TNGM Office, Heri Wibowo, stated that this closure is an ongoing mitigation measure. This policy refers to the status of Mount Merapi, which remains at Level III (Alert/Siaga). Since the increase in volcanic activity that began in May 2018 and was updated in November 2020, relevant authorities have not issued permits for hiking activities, except for research and disaster mitigation purposes.
According to data from the BPPTKG, Merapi's volcanic activity is still relatively high, with threats of lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows (hot clouds) that can reach distances of up to 7 kilometers in certain sectors. The popular hiking route via New Selo toward Pasar Bubrah and the summit is confirmed to be directly within the hazard radius, posing severe safety risks to hikers from ejected volcanic material and pyroclastic flows.
TNGM urges the public not to be misled by hoax information regarding the unauthorized opening of hiking routes. As a safe alternative for tourism activities, the public is advised to visit destinations outside the hazard radius, such as the Kalitalang Natural Tourism Object (OWA). The park authority emphasized that compliance with these rules is crucial for maintaining public safety against potential eruptions that could occur at any time.
