We don`t have any specific time for the hiking prohibition to remain in effect."Banyuwangi, E Java, Oct 2 (Antara) - The hiking route to the crater at Mount Ijen in Banyuwangi District of East Java Province was temporarily closed last Thursday due to increasing volcanic activity.
"We are closing the hiking route at Mount Ijen due to increasing volcanic activity," the head of Banyuwangi Natural Conservation Service, Pujiadi, said here on Friday.
According to the report from the Ijen volcano monitoring post, seismic activity at Mount Ijen has increased in the past week.
Mount Ijen, at a height of 2,368 meters above sea level, is located between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso District in East Java.
"We also noted on Thursday at 14.00 PM that there were three high explosive sounds coming from the crater. Fortunately, there were no visitors there at the time," Pujiadi said.
Thus, the Service temporarily closed the Ijen Crater tourism spot to avoid accidents, at the suggestion of the monitoring post.
Additionally, the Service forbids sulphur mining activity in Ijen Crater, for safety reasons.
Pujiadi urged visitors to obey the hiking prohibition to the crater at this time.
"We dont have any specific time for the hiking prohibition to remain in effect. The Service will coordinate with the monitoring post regarding the condition of the crater," Pujiadi said.
(Uu.B019/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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