SINGAPORE: Every year, Mr Jeremy Tong takes expedition groups to some of Southeast Asia’s most popular mountains – among them Mount Kerinci, the highest active volcano in Southeast Asia and one of Sumatra’s most active.
The draw is beauty and a sense of adventure, said Mr Tong, who runs a travel expedition company, JTrace, and has led expeditions for over 12 years.
“When you climb the volcano, there’s this sense of humility and respect for nature, because the mountain is alive,” the 36-year-old said.
The recent deadly eruption at Indonesia’s Mount Dukono has put a spotlight on the risks of hiking active volcanoes. Experts told CNA that while such expeditions carry certain dangers, hikers can take precautions.
“Don’t be afraid of volcanoes. Not all volcanoes are the same. Some volcanoes more active, some volcanoes less active … always do your research, do your homework, ask questions,” said Mr Tong.
THE RISKS OF AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
One of the most underestimated risks hikers face on active volcanoes is the unpredictability of eruptions, said Dr Mirzam Abdurrachman, who works at the Petrology, Volcanology and Geochemistry Research Group at Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia.
