Thousands may be at risk from Indonesia volcano lahar

"The volcano is active but there's no increased intensity. What we are concerned (with) is a possible flow of lahar from the dams. We already issued a recommendation for evacuation two weeks ago," Simatupang told Reuters.

"However, people often don't understand what a recommendation means.

The 2,249-metre (7,378-feet) volcano in Garut district, which lies 200 km (124 miles) southeast of the capital Jakarta, is popular with tourists for its hot springs and waterfalls.

Garut police chief Eko Budi said not enough had been done to prepare for a disaster and thousands could face possible threats.

"Around 6,000 to 10,000 people are at risk if the dams cannot longer hold the flow," Budi said.