The Engleson Files

Photo courtesy of jbaiden

One thing you learn very quickly on Lombok is the power that Mt. Rinjani has over the people. Spiritually, emotionally and practically, Mt. Rinjani is king; and when you look at the satellite image below it is very easy to see why. Simply put: the reason Lombok is there in the first place and continues to thrive today is because of this huge volcano. Rising some 3,726 m (12,224 ft) above sea level it is the third highest volcano in Indonesia - and already has a third of it (at least) blown off. The first historical eruption occurred in September 1847 while the most recent occurred October 1st, 2004. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera at the summit is filled partially by a lake (and hot springs) and is estimated at being some 200m deep. Also, inside the caldera another new, smaller volcano is growing inside - click here for a picture.

When looking at the map below (and seeing the lush area around) one thing you notice very quickly is all the tributaries that run down from the mountain. The highlands of Rinjani are forested and underdeveloped while the lowlands are extremely rich and highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils below; and this is all a direct result of the volcano. The people rely on the water from the springs to maintain their crops and have built highly intricate aqueduct systems throughout the island to ensure that all can utilize it. I asked if there was ever any problems with not having enough water and the answer was very simply “Never. Rinjani never lets us down.”

Being that close to an active volcano was a really neat experience and to see the importance it plays on the people was just as fascinating. One day I would love to hike to the top and see down below in the depths of the mighty Rinjani of Lombok.