Semeru facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Semeru
Highest point
Elevation	3,676 m (12,060 ft)
Listing	Island high point 12th Ultra Ribu
Geography
Semeru Location in Java Show map of Java Semeru Location in Indonesia Show map of Indonesia
Geology
Mountain type	Stratovolcano
Volcanic arc/belt	Ring of Fire/Sunda Arc
Last eruption	4 December 2022 (ongoing)
Climbing
First ascent	Unknown
Easiest route	Hike

Mount Semeru (also called Semeru) is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia. It is the highest mountain on the island of Java. The name "Semeru" comes from Meru, a special mountain in Hinduism. This type of volcano is called a stratovolcano. It is also known as Mahameru, which means "The Great Mountain" in Sanskrit. Many people enjoy hiking on Mount Semeru.

What is Mount Semeru Like?

Mount Semeru stands very tall above the flat lands of eastern Java. It has small lakes called Maars inside its craters near the top. The rocks and ash that come out of Semeru are mostly andesitic. Semeru is part of a group of volcanoes called the Tengger Volcanic Complex.

Semeru's Eruptions Over Time

Mount Semeru has erupted many times. Since 1818, there have been at least 55 recorded eruptions. Some of these eruptions caused people to get hurt or even die. The eruptions have included both lava flows (slow-moving melted rock) and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving clouds of hot gas and ash). Semeru has been erupting almost constantly since 1967.

People often climb Semeru, usually starting from a village called Ranu Pane. Even though it's a popular hike, it can be dangerous. For example, Soe Hok Gie, a famous Indonesian activist, died in 1969 from breathing in poisonous gases while hiking there.

Recent Eruptions: 2021

Mount Semeru erupted twice in 2021. The first eruption was on January 16, 2021. A bigger eruption happened on December 4, 2021. Then, it erupted a third time on December 6, 2021.

Sadly, many people were affected by these eruptions. At least 57 people died, and over 100 people were injured. Thousands of people had to leave their homes for safety.

Recent Eruptions: 2022

A new eruption began on December 4, 2022. Heavy monsoon rains caused the mountain's lava dome to break apart. This led to more eruptions and forced people to evacuate quickly.

Clouds of hot gas traveled very far from the crater, up to 19 kilometers (about 12 miles). People living nearby were moved to safe places.

The Story of Mount Semeru

Mount Semeru is named after Sumeru, a central world-mountain in Hinduism. An old legend says that this mountain was brought from India to create the island of Java. This story is written in an old book from the 15th century called Tantu Pagelaran.

The legend says that when the mountain was first placed in the western part of Java, the island tipped over. So, the gods moved it eastward. As they moved it, pieces of the mountain broke off. These pieces formed other mountains like Lawu, Wilis, Kelud, Kawi, Arjuno, and Welirang. The shaking of the mountain also caused its top to break off, creating Penanggungan. Many Indonesian Hindus believe that Mount Semeru is where the god Shiva lives in Java.

Plants and Environmental Concerns

Plants That Don't Belong

Scientists have found 25 types of plants in Mount Semeru National Park that are not native to the area. These plants were brought by a Dutch botanist during the colonial era. They are called invasive plants because they can harm the local plants that naturally grow there. Some examples include Foeniculum vulgare and Verbena brasiliensis.

Farms Near the Lake

Mud from nearby vegetable farms is flowing into Ranu Pani Lake. This mud is making the lake smaller over time. Experts believe that the lake might disappear by 2025 if these farms on the hillsides are not changed. Replacing the vegetable farms with plants that protect the soil better could help save the lake.

See also

In Spanish: Semeru para niños

• List of volcanoes in Indonesia
• List of Southeast Asian mountains
• List of islands by highest point
• Volcanological Survey of Indonesia
• Lists of volcanoes