Whilst not wishing to minimise the effect of ash on aircraft engines, it is worth noting that the above report is completely wrong, although not with any malicious intent, I'm sure.
The aircraft has a new engine fitted and experienced a known phenomemon of blade tip rubbing (as notified by RR). The smell was there and the engine stalled. Merapi had erupted and the aircraft took off from Solo. All facts which pointed towards ash ingestion except the first, which wasn't known by the crew.
The engine was boroscoped and no evidence of ash found. The aircraft is again happliy plying its' trade on the Hajj.
With reference to Merapi - keep a sharp lookout - it erupted again yesterday, although the previous ash ejection quickly dispersed.