Ijen

Mount Ijen, also known as Gunung Ijen, is an active stratovolcano in East Java, Indonesia. It forms part of the Ijen volcanic complex and is best known for Kawah Ijen, a large crater that contains a highly acidic crater lake and is the site of intense sulfur-mining activity conducted by local workers. The crater lake is distinctive for its turquoise color, and the gases released from the venting fumaroles contribute to the lake’s acidity.

Geographically, Ijen sits on the Ijen Plateau near the towns of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. The summit reaches roughly 2,386 meters above sea level. The crater is about a kilometer in diameter and hosts a lake that sits in the caldera floor, kept active by ongoing fumarolic activity. The area is a volcanic and geological highlight, drawing visitors for both natural beauty and industrial heritage.

Activity and economy are dominated by ongoing fumarolic emissions and periodic volcanic activity. Sulfur deposits within the crater are mined by laborers who descend onto the crater floor, extract molten sulfur, and transport it upward in baskets. The work is hazardous due to toxic gases, heat, and the risk of landslides or eruptions, yet it remains a traditional livelihood for some locals.

Tourism is a major aspect of Ijen, with visitors attracted to sunrise viewpoints from the rim and the rare blue flames visible at night or before dawn. Safety measures, including gas masks and guided access, are commonly advised for visitors. The site is part of East Java’s protected volcanic landscape and is managed to balance preservation with tourism and mining activities.