It
is the most active of 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia and has erupted
regularly at least 80 times since 1548. One of its largest eruptions occurred
in 1006 and spread ash throughout central Java. The very large is claimed to have led to the collapse
of the Kingdom of Mataram.
Other
major eruptions were those of 1786, 1822, 1872, 1930, 1976, 1994, 2006 and 2010.
Smoke can be seen emerging from the mountaintop at least 300 days a year and
several eruptions have caused fatalities. Hot gas clouds and mud flow of pyroclastic
materials and water are important hazard on the mountain.
In
2004 an area of 6,410 hectare around Merapi was established as National Park. It
is located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of the large Yogyakarta city, and
thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as
1,700 meters (5,600 ft) above sea level.
Anyone
thinking of climbing the mountain must first check if it is safe to do so.
While climbing the mountain with a qualified guide is recommended.
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