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Dempo Volcano | John Seach
Sumatra, Indonesia
4.03 S, 103.13 E
summit elevation 3173 m
stratovolcano
Dempo is the highest volcano in southern Sumatra. There are seven craters at the volcano summit The active crater of Dempo volcano contains a lake which is 400m wide at an altitude of 2804m.
Dempo Volcano, situated on the border between South Sumatra and Bengkulu provinces in Indonesia, represents a fascinating intersection of natural hazards and local cultural wisdom. It is part of the Bukit Barisan mountain range that stretches 1,700 km through Sumatra.
The volcano's surroundings are heavily populated due to the exceptionally fertile soil that draws agricultural communities to its slopes. What makes Dempo particularly interesting is how local communities have developed traditional warning systems over generations to predict eruptions. These include observing animal behavior (like unusual wildlife movements down the mountain), monitoring changes in spring water levels, and noting environmental shifts such as rising temperatures or distinctive sounds from the mountain. However, recent research has found that this valuable traditional knowledge is gradually being lost, with younger generations showing less understanding of these time-tested warning signs that their ancestors relied upon for survival.
2024 Eruption
An eruption occurred at Dempo volcano on 23 November 2024. Ash reached an altitude of 12,000 ft.
2023 Eruption
Mild eruptions reported at Dempo in July and August 2023.
2022 Eruption
A phreatic eruption occurred on 31 May 2022 with ashfall in a 5 km radius from the crater.
2017 Eruption
A 3 minute eruption occurred on 9th November 2017 with ash to altitude of 13,800 ft.
2009 Eruption
A phreatic eruption was reported at Dempo volcano on 1st January 2009. Ash fall occurred 10 km from the crater.
2006 Seismic Activity
In September 2006 Dempo volcano was raised to level 2 alert (maximum 4) after an increase in seismic activity.
1934 Eruptions
Increased activity of Dempo volcano was recorded in the first four months of 1934. Ash and mud eruptions occurred in January, February and April.
Further reading
Juita et al. 2020, Disaster Management of Dempo Volcano Eruption, Pagar Alam City Indonesia Based on Local Wisdom.
Neumann van Padang, M., 1951. Catalogue of the Active Volcanoes of the World, Including Solfatara Fields, Indonesia.
Dempo Volcano Eruptions
2024, 2023, 2022, 2017, 2009, 1994, 1974, 1973, 1964, 1940, 1939-40, 1939, 1936, 1934, 1926, 1923, 1921, 1908, 1905, 1900, 1900, 1895, 1884, 1881, 1880, 1879, 1853, 1839?, 1817.