Volcanic Activity in Indonesia
I've been scanning the news items today and note with growing concern that activity on the Indonesian volcano Mount Merapi has intensified, with continuous clouds of ash, gas and rock fragments spewing from its crater. One of the emissions sent a pile of debris 4km (2.5 miles) down one side of the mountain.
So far there have been no confirmed reports of fresh lava flows from Mount Merapi on Monday, but the volcano is becoming more active by the day.
Merapi, which means "mountain of fire", is one of the most fearsome volcanoes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire".
The mountain is also revered by many locals, who believe mystical sprits live in the volcano's crater. Many say they are waiting for specific signs - such as clouds in the shape of a sheep's fleece - to show them an eruption is imminent.
I was born in a village about 10 km east from Merapi. Now I live in Cilegon, near the volcano of Krakatau in Banten. I have climbed Merapi twice. The villagers around Mount Merapi have a strong believe in whatever the keeper of Merapi Mr. Marijan says. He is the one, who can see the condition of the volcano from the mystical side. If Mr. Marijan does not leave the mountain, the villagers won't leave either. Most of them are not well educated and believe in superstitions.
Rochedi Zuwono, Indonesia
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