YOGYAKARTA, 3 May – Unearthing Merapi was an exhilarating and daring program orchestrated by the audacious minds of Jawatankuasa Mahasiswa Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (JKM KTDI) for the 2022/2023 session and led by the formidable and esteemed principal of Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail, Lt. Col Prof. Associate Dr. Mohd Noor Azli Bin Hj. Ali Khan, the program director, Diena Qistina Binti Hairul Azdi, accompanied by four distinguished council fellows, 22 passionate JKM KTDI members, and two adventurous UTM International students, the program set out to explore the majestic allure of Java’s renowned Mount Merapi.
Equipped with sturdy jeeps, we embarked on an unforgettable journey, braving the treacherous terrains to witness the raw and awe-inspiring aftermath of Mount Merapi’s volcanic eruptions. Our hearts raced with anticipation and adrenaline as we ventured closer to the volcanic landscape, eager to delve into its secrets.
The primary objective of our audacious expedition was to study the profound impact of Mount Merapi’s eruptions. Armed with scientific curiosity, we diligently collected rock samples, unearthing hidden treasures that held within them the untold stories of this fiery mountain. The Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT) graciously provided the funds that fueled our exploration. In return, we promised to deliver these invaluable specimens to aid their groundbreaking research.
Group photo session on the Jeeps Extrusive rocks of Mount Merapi
Located between Central Java and the captivating Special Region of Yogyakarta, Mount Merapi is an active volcano. Our journey began at Bunker Kaliadem, a place that used to provide shelter from the volcano’s intense heat clouds. However, it couldn’t withstand the scorching lava anymore, so it was abandoned. This unique spot showed us the immense power of Mount Merapi and made us realize the temporary nature of human structures. It left us amazed and humbled by the forces that shape our world.
Next, Batu Alien were places where we could see the various sizes of volcanic rock. The name of the Alien was given because the stones look like aliens.
The third place we visited was the Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku. This museum witnessed the violence of the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010. Various community heritage items are available there, such as household appliances, glasses, animal bones and motorcycle frames that the eruptions had already destroyed. The walls of this house were also filled with pictures of volcanic eruptions, people who were saving themselves from the eruption and others.
Our adventure concluded with a visit to Manufer Air Kalikuning, where a serene stream had been transformed into a captivating lava passage during Mount Merapi’s eruption. This unexpected phenomenon turned it into a unique tourist attraction, where we joyfully played in the water, guided by jeeps. This unforgettable experience deepened our bond and symbolized resilience and the power of shared moments.
Thank you to all that was involved in making this program a success. The program was run successfully, and many new things we learned from here. Natural disasters may be seen as a catastrophe, but they can also bring many benefits.