Writing Corner: Bali Volcano - Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara Threatens Aviation Safety

Bali has just affected significant travel disruptions due to a volcanic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki which is located on Flores Island. Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted with such force that a massive ash cloud reached 9KMs into the sky affecting air travel in the region. This event led to the cancellation of dozens of international flights, particularly from places like Australia and Southeast Asia, as the ash made it unsafe for planes to fly.

For a few days, the island’s main airport was essentially cut off from much of the world. Many passengers found themselves stranded, with their flights either delayed or canceled. However, as the situation improved and the volcanic activity became less intense, flights slowly began to resume. Some airlines were able to start operating again, though it took time to clear the backlog of travelers waiting to board.

The eruption, which started last week, has had serious consequences for the local population. At least 10 people have died, and thousands have had to leave their homes for safety. Still, the situation seems to be stabilizing, and air travel is gradually returning to normal. While many international flights were grounded, services from neighboring countries, like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, are now resuming, though some delays may still occur as conditions continue to improve.

Mount Lewotobi

Mount Lewotobi, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), is a twin volcano with two peaks: Lewotobi Laki-Laki and Lewotobi Perempuan. The mountain is located in the southeastern part of Flores Island.

The peak of Mount Lewotobi Perempuan is higher than that of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki stands at an elevation of 1,584 meters above sea level (masl), while Mount Lewotobi Perempuan has an elevation of 1,703 masl, according to the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG).

Both Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and Mount Lewotobi Perempuan are still active volcanoes. However, based on volcanic activity records and eruption history, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been more frequently active than Mount Lewotobi Perempuan.

The known eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Perempuan occurred only in 1921 and 1935. The activity of Mount Lewotobi Perempuan is continually monitored both visually and instrumentally from the observation post located in the village of Nawakote Boru, Wulanggitang, East Flores, NTT.

The Ring of Fire

The "Ring of Fire" refers to a crescent-shaped region around the Pacific Ocean known for its intense seismic and volcanic activity. It is among the most geologically active areas on Earth, housing around 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes. Spanning roughly 40,000 kilometers, this expansive zone is not only a significant geographical feature but also a striking reminder of the powerful natural forces that shape the Earth's crust. The Ring of Fire impacts many countries and regions, such as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, the western coasts of North and South America, and Alaska's Aleutian Islands.