Volcano Eruptions in Indonesia: Impact on the Environment and Society Indonesia, as an archipelagic country with more than 130 active volcanoes, experiences various impacts due to volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions in Indonesia not only threaten the safety of the population, but also have a major impact on the environment. One real example is the eruption of Mount Merapi, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. One of the direct impacts of the eruption was the release of volcanic ash which spread over a wide area. This volcanic ash can damage vegetation, pollute water sources and harm people’s health. This causes significant agricultural losses because agricultural land becomes infertile. Air quality also worsens due to dust and toxic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems for residents. Apart from that, volcanic eruptions can also trigger secondary disasters, such as landslides and lava floods. Accumulated volcanic material can flow into rivers and cause rivers to become shallow. When rainfall is high, lahars can form and destroy settlements, resulting in loss of life and property. For example, the eruption of Mount Sinabung in 2014 had a similar impact when lava floods destroyed a number of villages. From a community perspective, volcanic eruptions create challenges in disaster mitigation. Communities living near volcanoes often lack knowledge of the risks involved. Therefore, education and training efforts in dealing with emergency situations are very important. The government also plays a role in providing effective evacuation infrastructure and rehabilitation programs for affected communities. People are often forced to leave their homes and lose their livelihoods. Apart from agriculture, the tourism industry is also affected. Popular tourist destinations, such as around Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani, have become inaccessible, reducing income for local communities. However, in the long term, the agricultural land rehabilitation process can bring positive results by increasing the fertility of soil affected by the minerals produced during the eruption. The psychological impact cannot be ignored either. Loss, trauma and anxiety can disrupt residents’ mental health. Psychological support is needed to help people recover from these traumatic experiences. Collaboration between government, NGOs and communities is essential in designing effective recovery measures. Overall, the impact of volcanic eruptions in Indonesia includes environmental and social aspects, which are interconnected and require holistic treatment. Communities must be involved in every stage of mitigation and rehabilitation planning to ensure long-term success. Scientific efforts to monitor volcanic activity continue to expand, in the hope of reducing risks and improving preparedness for future volcanic eruptions. It’s not just about protecting the environment, but also saving lives and improving people’s welfare.
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