Mt Ibu
© Bruce Gemmell, PT Nusa Halmahera MineralsA closer look at the lava dome within the Mt. Ibu crater. May 2000 photograph.
Mt. Ibu in West Halmahera regency has been emitting thick smoke, causing its alarm status to be raised on Sunday.

Ridwan, a volcanic observer at Mt. Ibu said the mountain's activities had intensified over the past two weeks. Hundreds of small eruptions have been recorded by the seismograph. "There were numerous tremors. Therefore we increased its status to alert level II," he said yesterday.

Ridwan said the mountain had been closed to hikers and people were prohibited from getting within 3 kilometers of Mt Ibu's crater. "We announced this two weeks ago and have intensified our observations. We hope people will be aware," he said.