Patuha

Patuha refers to Gunung Patuha, a stratovolcano located in West Java, Indonesia. It is part of the Sunda Arc and sits in Bandung Regency near the town of Ciwidey, roughly south of Bandung city. The summit rises to about 2,565 meters above sea level, and the area encompasses a volcanic complex with multiple vents and surrounding montane forest.

The most famous feature of the Patuha system is Kawah Putih, a crater lake renowned for its changing colors, which can appear pale turquoise to green depending on mineral content, weather, and light. Kawah Putih lies within a caldera formed by past eruptive activity and is surrounded by sulfurous and mineral-rich terrain that contributes to its distinctive appearance. The crater and adjacent areas are a popular tourist destination, accessible by road from Bandung, with designated viewpoints and facilities for visitors.

Geology and activity history indicate intermittent volcanic behavior, with no widely documented major eruption in recent centuries. Current activity is monitored by Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), which tracks seismic signals, gas emissions, and other indicators of potential unrest. While the volcano is not currently erupting, officials emphasize ongoing monitoring due to its location in a densely populated and heavily visited region.

Ecologically, the Patuha area hosts montane forest ecosystems and supports biodiversity characteristic of highland Java. The site is typically managed as a protected area and a destination for hikers and nature lovers, with safety guidelines in place around Kawah Putih to protect visitors and preserve the crater environment.