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Dieng Volcano | John Seach
Central Java, Indonesia
7.2 S, 109.9 E,
summit elevation 2565 m
Complex Volcano
Dieng volcano complex is located in the central highlands of Java, Indonesia.
For several centuries volcanic activity at Dieng has been dominated by phreatic eruptions, and geothermal activity (fumaroles, solfataras, mud pools, hot springs). Dieng volcano is noted for the release of carbon dioxide, which sometimes results in fatalities to residents. Carbon dioxide emission can destroy the surrounding vegetation and local people are aware of "death valleys".
Dieng volcano photos by John Seach
Telaga Warna (crater lake) at dieng volcano 2010.
Lake temperature 22.1 deg C (6 deg above max air temp) , pH 3.1
Telaga Warna at dieng volcano
Hindu temple, Dieng Plateau
Dieng volcano
Sikidang, Dieng 2010
Sikidang crater
Dieng volcano
Dieng volcano has a history of deadly gas eruptions.
The volcano is composed of two stratovolcanoes (Butak Petarangan and Dieng) and many craters. Warm acidic lakes fill some of the craters. Volcanic cones at Dieng include the following - Bismo, Srojo, Binem, Pangonan, Merdodo, Pagerkandang, Nogosari, Petarangan, Telogo Dringo, Pakuwaja,Kendil, Kunir and Prambanan.
Fumarole areas - Kawah Sikidang, Kawah Sigajah, Kawah Kumbang, Kawah Sibanteng, Kawah Upas,Telogo Terus, Kawah Pagerkandang, Kawah Sipandu, Kawah Siglagah and Kawah Sileri. Butak Petarangan is the second volcano located in the Dieng complex. It consists of a crater-lake named Telogo Dringo and Condrodimuko fumarole field.
2017 Eruption
A small phreatic (?) eruption occurred at Sileri Crater, Dieng
volcano on 2nd July 2017. Ten out of 17 tourists who were at the
crater at the time were injured. A rescue helicopter crashed killing
all 8 people on board.
2013 Unrest
Dieng volcano was raised to level 2 alert (Waspada) on 11th March
2013 due to an increase in earthquakes and gas emissions. Dieng was
raised to level 3 alert (siaga) on 28th March 2013. A 500 m
exclusion zone was placed around Kawah Timbang.
2011 Phreatic eruption
Gas emissions from Dieng volcano in central Java has forced the
evacuation of 1200 residents in June 2011. On 28th May 2011 there
was a sudden increase in carbon dioxide emissions at Timbang. On the
29th May there was a felt earthquake at the volcano followed by
shallow seismic activity. This corresponded to a phreatic eruption
at Timbang crater. Dead birds were found near the crater. People are
advised to remain at least 1 km from Timbang crater. The alert
status hat the volcano has been raised to level 3 (Siaga) out of a
maximum 4.
2009 Phreatic Eruption
On Friday 16th January 2009 Dieng
volcano was raised from level I to II alert (out of maximum 4)
after two phreatic eruptions on 15th January. The eruptions
occurred at Sibanteng crater at 0800 and 0830 hr. Material was
ejected 50 m from the crater.
A phreatic explosion occurred at Sileri crater, Dieng volcano, Indonesia on evening 26-27 September 2009. The eruption lasted for 15 seconds. Between 1-19 September there were 2 volcanic earthquakes, 20-23 September 1 volcanic earthquake, 24th September 1 volcanic earthquake, no volcanic earthquakes on 25-26 September. The explosion was heard at a distance of 2 km from the crater. During the phreatic eruption, mud was ejected to a radius of 140 m. Temperature of water in Kawah Sileri remained fairly constant at about 70 deg C. There was no emissions of toxic gas at the eruption site and surroundings. The alert level at the volcano remains at "Normal". No evacuations were ordered. People are advised to stay at least 500 m away from the craters Sileri, Sinila, Timbang, Siglagah, and Sikidang.
1992 Gas Eruption
On 18th March 1992 gas emissions killed one person in a river valley
200 m W of Sikidang Crater.
1979 Eruption and Fatalities
Carbon dioxide emission, accompanying a phreatic eruption from the
SW side of the Dieng volcano, killed 149 people on 20th February
1979. Gas emissions contained CO2 and H2S and were ejected from
Sinila Crater. Up to 17,000 people were evacuated from six villages
near Sinila. Fish and livestock were killed by the eruption. Seven
earthquakes were recorded before the eruption. Two lahars were
produced from Sinila Crater.
1944 Eruption
An explosion occurred at Dieng volcano on 4th December 1944. Ash-mud
rain, covered the villages Kepakisan, Sekalem, Sidolok,
Pagerkandang, Djawera and Kepakisan-lor in complete darkness.
Ejected blocks reached the village Bitingan 1 km from Kawah Sileri.
Fifty-nine people were killed, 38 wounded, and 55 missing. The
wounds were caused by boiling mud.
1939 Eruption
A violent phreatic eruption occurred at Dieng volcano on 13th
October 1939. The eruptive centre was located on the northern side
of the Chinese cemetery. A fissure opened up high up the slope and
fountained mud. The activity continued until 3rd November.
Further reading
Harijoko, A., Uruma, R., Wibowo, H.E., Setijadji, L.D., Imai, A., Yonezu, K. and Watanabe, K., 2016. Geochronology and magmatic evolution of the Dieng Volcanic Complex, Central Java, Indonesia and their relationships to geothermal resources. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 310, pp.209-224.
Le Guern, F., Tazieff, H. and Pierret, R.F., 1982. An example of health hazard: people killed by gas during a phreatic eruption: Dieng Plateau (Java, Indonesia), February 20th 1979. Bulletin Volcanologique, 45(2), pp.153-156.
Dieng Volcano Eruptions
2017, 2011, 2009, 2005, 1993, 1986, 1981, 1979, 1964, 1956, 1954, 1953, 1952?, 1944, 1943, 1939, 1928, 1883-84, 1847, 1826, 1825, 1786, 1776?, 1375.