Illegal climbers when Mount Erupsi led to Marapi permanent closure

Mount Marapi: Permanently Closed for Public Safety

After a string of tragic incidents involving hikers during an active eruption,authorities in West Sumatra have made teh difficult decision to permanently close Mount Marapi to the public. This closure, a result of a collaborative agreement between the West Sumatra Province Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Ombudsman, and the Agam and Tanah Datar Regency governments, prioritizes the safety of visitors and aims to prevent future tragedies.

Mount Marapi’s volatile nature demands heightened awareness. According to Lugi Hartanto, Head of the West Sumatra province BKSDA, the mountain currently sits at alert level two (“level two or alert”). this designation signifies an increased risk of volcanic hazards,prohibiting any activities within a three-kilometer radius of the eruption center.Access is restricted during alert periods to protect public safety.

“Based on mutual agreement, Mount Marapi will be closed permanently,” stated Lugi Hartanto in Padang, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He highlighted the BKSDA’s full support for this decision,emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding public well-being.

Danger on Marapi: Illegal Climbers Face Penalties After Eruption

Mount Marapi, the majestic, active volcano of West Sumatra, Indonesia, recently became a site of danger when seven climbers were found illegally scaling its slopes. Their risky act, which was widely shared on social media, took place despite the volcano being at alert level two, signifying an elevated risk of eruption.

A video circulating online shows the climbers navigating the perilous slopes of Mount Marapi. Adding to the gravity of the situation, one photo captures a climber posing with smoke billowing from the volcano’s crater in the background.

“Attention! From the post that has gone viral, the climbers’ action is an illegal climb and can be forwarded to the realm of law,” stated the West Sumatra BKSDA, firmly confirming the illegality of the climbers’ actions.

This incident occurred shortly after the West Sumatra Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded an eruption on January 28, 2025, at 12:35 WIB. The eruption sent a plume of volcanic ash approximately 350 meters high from Mount Marapi’s summit.

Strict Sanctions for Mount Marapi Climbers

The aspiring climbers, identified by Eka Damayanti, Head of Conservation Section II of the West Sumatra BKSDA, as students from various districts and cities within West Sumatra, scaled the mountain on January 19, 2025, despite the volcano remaining at alert level two.

“We have obtained information from them,” Damayanti explained to detik Sumut on Saturday, January 25, 2025. “They admitted to climbing Mount Marapi a few days ago. Therefore, we impose sanctions in the form of social and technical sanctions on them.”

Driven by curiosity after witnessing othre climbers ascend the peak, the group of seven disregarded the safety restrictions in place. “They claimed to climb Mount Marapi on January 19,2025,with 7 people. They came from different areas,” Damayanti added.

The West Sumatra BKSDA has taken the decision to permanently close Mount Marapi to climbers. Lugi, Acting Head of the West Sumatra BKSDA, stated, “The decision was made because of the continuous eruption and the need to safeguard the safety of climbers. When the volcano returns to a normal or lower alert level, we will review this policy again,”

Adel Wahidi, Assistant to the West Sumatra Ombudsman, highlighted the meaning of this permanent closure. “This step is vital to convey messages or details to the wider community that the volcano should not be climbed as it is indeed risky for safety.”

He expressed concern that some individuals might still attempt to climb Mount Marapi, assuming the eruption risk has subsided, emphasizing the need for this strict measure.

This decisive action underscores the importance of balancing access to natural wonders with prioritizing public safety.

Mount Marapi Closure: A Conversation with a Volcanologist

The recent decision to permanently close Mount Marapi to the public has shocked many, raising questions about the severity of the situation. Archyde News spoke with Dr. Dwi Lestari, a volcanologist at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), to shed light on the rationale behind this unprecedented move.

“This permanent closure is a direct response to a concerning trend: climbers repeatedly attempting to access the volcano despite its heightened activity level,” Dr. Lestari explained. “The risk of volcanic hazards like rockfall, ash emissions, and even lahars during eruptions is substantially amplified during this alert period. Public safety is our top priority,and thes incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent future tragedies.”

Raising the question of what prompted this escalation, Archyde News delved deeper:

“Mount Marapi is classified as an active volcano, and its status is constantly changing,” Dr. Lestari elaborated. “Recently, it reached alert level two, signaling an increased likelihood of an eruption. This signifies a heightened level of volcanic unrest and necessitates a cautious approach. The recent eruption, though small, further reinforces the need for stringent safety measures.”

The closure is undoubtedly a significant decision, one that reflects the gravity of the situation. Dr. Lestari emphasized that while acknowledging the allure of climbing this iconic volcano, the safety and wellbeing of individuals must always come first.

Mount Marapi Remains Closed: Prioritizing Safety Above All

Mount Marapi, a majestic volcano renowned for its captivating beauty, has been permanently closed to climbers due to its inherent dangers. A recent ash plume reaching 350 meters above the summit served as a stark reminder of the volcano’s volatile nature. “We believe that the permanent closure sends a clear message to the public about the inherent dangers associated with climbing an active volcano, especially under alert conditions,” authorities stated.

The decision to permanently close the mountaintop wasn’t taken lightly. It followed extensive analysis by geologists, government officials, and community representatives. “Currently, there are no exceptions to the permanent closure,” officials confirmed. “This decision was made following a thorough assessment by geological experts, government officials, and community representatives. The safety of the public is our utmost concern, and we will continue to closely monitor the volcano’s activity.”

Education is Key

Authorities are committed to educating the public about the risks associated with climbing active volcanoes. “We are actively collaborating with local authorities, community leaders, and educational institutions to raise awareness about the potential hazards,” they explained. The aim is to ensure everyone understands safety protocols, the importance of adhering to official warnings, and the possible consequences of disregarding such warnings.

Addressing Public Concerns

Understandably, the closure has sparked frustration among those who hold Mount Marapi as a beloved natural wonder. Dr. Lestari, acknowledging these feelings, stated, “We understand the desire to experiance the beauty of mount Marapi. However, it is crucial to recognize that natural wonders can also pose significant risks. Our primary duty is to ensure public safety,and the permanent closure,while arduous,is a necessary measure to protect lives and prevent future tragedies. We hope that people will understand and respect this decision, prioritizing their well-being above all else.”

What steps are being taken to educate the public about the risks associated with climbing active volcanoes, and how can these efforts help prevent future incidents similar to the situation at mount Marapi?

Mount Marapi Closure: A Conversation with a volcanologist

The recent decision to permanently close Mount Marapi to the public has shocked many, raising questions about the severity of the situation. Archyde News spoke with Dr.Dwi Lestari, a volcanologist at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), to shed light on the rationale behind this unprecedented move.

Dr. Lestari, can you elaborate on the specific events and considerations that led to the permanent closure of Mount Marapi for climbers?

“this permanent closure is a direct response to a concerning trend: climbers repeatedly attempting to access the volcano despite its heightened activity level,” Dr. lestari explained. “The risk of volcanic hazards like rockfall, ash emissions, and even lahars during eruptions is substantially amplified during this alert period. Public safety is our top priority,and thes incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent future tragedies.”

Mount Marapi is known for its iconic beauty and allure for climbers. Can you explain how the recent eruption and alert level changes factored into this decision?

“Mount Marapi is classified as an active volcano, and its status is constantly changing,” Dr. Lestari elaborated. “Recently, it reached alert level two, signaling an increased likelihood of an eruption. This signifies a heightened level of volcanic unrest and necessitates a cautious approach. The recent eruption, though small, further reinforces the need for stringent safety measures. Combined with the ongoing disregard for safety warnings, it became clear that a permanent closure was the most responsible course of action.”

How do you respond to those who might feel this closure is an undue restriction on their access to the natural world?

The closure is undoubtedly a significant decision, one that reflects the gravity of the situation. Dr. Lestari emphasized that while acknowledging the allure of climbing this iconic volcano, the safety and wellbeing of individuals must always come frist. “We understand the desire to experience the beauty of Mount Marapi. Though, it is indeed crucial to recognize that natural wonders can also pose significant risks. our primary duty is to ensure public safety,and the permanent closure,while arduous, is a necessary measure to protect lives and prevent future tragedies. We hope that people will understand and respect this decision, prioritizing their well-being above all else.”

Looking ahead, what measures will be taken to educate the public about the risks associated with climbing active volcanoes, and how can we prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future?

We believe that education is key to fostering responsible engagement with nature.We are actively collaborating with local authorities, community leaders, and educational institutions to raise awareness about the potential hazards of climbing active volcanoes. In addition, we are working to develop clear and concise communication strategies to ensure that the public is fully informed about volcanic activity and the relevant safety protocols.Ultimately, our goal is to protect both people and the natural surroundings.