Learning from Semeru Eruption

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Residents from the slopes of Mount Semeru took refuge at the Office of the Head of Penanggal Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency, East Java, Sunday (5/12/2021).

Mount Semeru erupted without warning. The highest mountain on Java, which for some people is considered sacred, showed its wrath, leaving humans helpless.

Semeru roared on Saturday (4/12/2021) at 2:50 p.m., spewing vast quantities of ash into the sky to form a giant column of hot cloud and cause the residents to run in fear. Along with heavy rains, volcanic ash fell down, destroying residents' homes and causing lava flows down the rivers and valleys.

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The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) announced on Sunday (5/12) that 13 people had died as a result of the eruption. In addition, 98 people suffered injuries, particularly burns. The hot clouds spewed by the volcano affected six villages in two districts in Lumajang regency, East Java, while the volcanic ash affected at least 11 villages/subdistricts in nine districts.

Intercity roads were cut off. Access to hamlets was also blocked by fallen trees.

Many houses collapsed due to the sweeping volcanic material that was carried down by the heavy rains. Intercity roads were cut off. Access to hamlets was also blocked by fallen trees. More than 10,000 residents had to evacuate, taking with them what they could salvage from their homes.

Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta

Residents prepare to evacuate after volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Semeru hit and damaged their houses, Umbulan Hamlet, Supiturang Village, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency, East Java, Sunday (12/5/2012).

Coordinated and quick steps by the central and regional governments to deal with the emergency situation are urgently needed, especially in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and resultant economic crisis. President Joko Widodo has ordered the ranks of ministries and institutions to act as quickly as possible

The instructions are addressed to the BNPB, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Social Affairs Minister, Health Minister, Public Works and Housing Minister as well as the Indonesian Armed Forces, National Police, governors and regents. An emergency response is expected in the efforts to find victims, treat the injured and deal with the impact of the disaster.

Social movements to help the impacted residents of Semeru have quickly gathered pace.

The tragedy befalling the people of Semeru is enormous. However, they will not be left alone. Social movements to help the impacted residents of Semeru have quickly gathered pace.

As of last night, 23,127 people had extended their help by donating through the kitabisa.com platform. The collected funds have reached more than Rp 1 billion. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has also been mobilizing aid.

The Semeru eruption again reminds us who live on the “the ring of fire” to employ more mutual care among community members and nature, and be humble before Him.

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A screenshot of the map of the Mount Semeru disaster-prone area (KRB).

The book of Tantu Pagelaran from the 15th century mentions that the island of Java once floated in the vast ocean and was constantly shaking. Mount Semeru is the manifestation of the Gods’ will to keep the island of Java from being swayed.

A wise man says nature has a will and often shows alerting signs to humans. However, it is human arrogance that often blinds them from seeing into the signs.

(This article was translated by Musthofid).