It insists the mudflow was triggered by an earthquake three days before an explanation that has been dismissed by numerous international experts.

ECONOMIST: Face value

In 2006 a devastating mudflow erupted near a site in Java where Lapindo Brantas, a Bakrie-controlled company, was drilling for gas.

ECONOMIST: Face value

Lapindo still has not compensated most of those displaced by the mudflow despite twice being ordered to do so by Mr Yudhoyono.

ECONOMIST: Face value

"This could cause a flood that could generate a mudflow down the flanks of the volcano, into the North Fork Toutle River, " Dr Major added.

BBC: NEWS | Americas | Concern over rumbling US volcano

Soon after a special investigative committee of the House of Representatives, led by a member of Golkar, declared, with little scientific backing, that the mudflow was a natural disaster.

ECONOMIST: Face value