Rinjani National Park stands as a remarkable geological phenomenon, captivating numerous global researchers who delve into the intricacies of volcanic processes on Lombok Island. Among the stunning islands in Indonesia, Lombok Island holds a prominent place.
Delving into the science of geology, the discourse revolves around the Earth and its phenomena. Broadly, geology examines the materials shaping the Earth and encompasses processes occurring beneath its surface as well as those manifesting above ground.
The significance of this discussion lies in the fact that Mount Rinjani holds the status of a national park, garnering international acclaim. Acknowledged as the primary site for the Global Geopark Rinjani Lombok and the core zone of the Rinjani Biosphere Reserve Lombok, its status elevates its importance on the global stage.
Physical Characteristics
Situated in a mountainous region, the Gunung Rinjani National Park spans altitudes ranging from 500 to 3,726 meters above sea level, featuring slopes that vary from flat to moderate, and from heavy to very heavy. This diverse topography is a magnet for climbers seeking to conquer the heights and gradients of the Rinjani area, with challenging contours that add to the allure.
Covering an expansive 41,330 hectares and boasting a boundary length of 156.108 km, Mount Rinjani National Park occupies a significant portion of Lombok Island, encompassing 9 percent of its total area. The scale of Rinjani National Park is truly remarkable. Furthermore, designated as an Indonesian National Tourism Strategic Area, Mount Rinjani National Park is a focal point for the Indonesian government’s concentrated efforts in developing it as a Super Priority Tourism Destination, particularly in connection with Mandalika Lombok.
Geological site with Many Awards
Mount Rinjani National Park received several awards including:
World Legacy Award
Gunung Rinjani National Park received the Destination Stewardship category award from Conservation International and the National Geographic Society on June 8, 2004. Recognized for its significant contribution to advancing sustainable tourism principles, the park actively promotes nature conservation, generates economic benefits for local communities, and upholds cultural diversity.
Achievements in Building Technology
Among its noteworthy accomplishments in area management, Gunung Rinjani National Park has implemented various initiatives. These include the establishment of an information technology system within the Rinjani application for efficient data collection, the introduction of online ticketing through the e Rinjani application, CCTV monitoring to oversee the activities of climbers and wildlife, resolution of issues at PKTI Pesugulan, and development of Otak Kokoq Joben tourist destinations through collaborative efforts and Cooperation Agreements. Additionally, the park has facilitated access to Conservation Partnerships and engaged in cooperative management of tourist destinations, fostering community involvement in the preservation and enhancement of the region.
The Geological Sites in Rinjani National Park
What are the geological sites in Rinjani National Park? let’s talk about it.
Samalas Caldera
The initial geological attraction within Rinjani National Park is the Samalas caldera. This distinctive feature contributes to the breathtaking and unparalleled landscape of Mount Rinjani National Park, boasting the highest caldera with an active volcano in Indonesia. The captivating aesthetic appeal of this terrain is the outcome of a series of immensely powerful eruptions that occurred on Mount Samalas. The caldera itself formed as a result of Mount Samalas’ eruption in 1257, marking it as the largest volcanic eruption globally in the past 7,000 years.
Mount Samalas, also recognized as the old Rinjani, is now an integral part of the Rinjani volcano complex. The remnants of this historic mountain can be observed in the formation of the Segara Anak Lake caldera and the majestic Rinjani Mountain.
Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani holds the distinction of being the second-highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, trailing only Mount Kerinci in Sumatra. Soaring to an elevation of 3,726 meters above sea level, this encompassing altitude includes both the summit of Mount Rinjani volcano and the Rinjani Crater, also known as Segara Muncar.
Beyond its stature, Mount Rinjani is renowned for possessing the most significant geothermal potential among geological sites. This potential is notably concentrated around the old Sembalun caldera, situated within the protected expanse of the Gunung Rinjani National Park, encompassing protected forest areas and other designated use zones. The Sembalun geothermal prospect area showcases surface geothermal manifestations, characterized by hot springs and alteration rocks. Noteworthy hot springs are located in three distinct areas: Sebau River, Kalak River, and White River. Additionally, altered or teralterated rocks, indicative of geothermal manifestations, are exposed in three different locations—proximate to the Sebau hot springs, Sembalun Bumbung, and east of Sembalun Lawang.
Segara Anak Lake
Situated at an elevation of 2009 meters above sea level, Segara Anak Lake spans an expansive surface area of 11,126 hectares, boasting depths ranging from 160 to 230 meters. Fed by inflows that eventually merge into the White River, this lake holds untapped potential for energy development, presenting an opportunity for the establishment of a power plant. Presently, water flow energy from the Gunung Rinjani National Park region is harnessed for micro-hydro power plants, specifically in the White River and Santong Village.
However, the ecological state of Segara Anak Lake faces challenges, primarily stemming from silting caused by erosion at its summit and the influx of materials from the 1944 eruption. Consequently, the lake’s depth has diminished to approximately 200 meters, as revealed by research conducted in 2007-2008, indicating a maximum depth of around 205 meters. Notably, Segara Anak Lake holds the distinction of being the largest warm-water volcanic lake globally.
Barujari Volcano
The aftermath of the 1257 eruption in the Samalas caldera led to subsequent volcanic activity, giving rise to additional peaks in the region. Among these formations is the summit of Mount Barujari, reaching an elevation of 2,376 meters above sea level. Adjacent to Mount Barujari, another mountain peak emerges, known as Mount Rombongan, standing at 2,110 meters above sea level.
Mount Barujari presents itself as a diminutive mountain ascending from the depths of Lake Segara Anak. When viewed from the lake’s surface, Mount Barujari attains a height of approximately 300 meters. Both Mount Barujari and Mount Rombongan are the results of the eruption of Mount Rinjani in 1944.