Mount Batur and Mount Agung From Local Perspektif

Thursday, 15 February 2024

According to the information at the Batur Geopark Museum, Mount Batur and Mount Agung are two of the volcanoes on Bali that hold special significance for the Balinese community. These mountains are considered "lingga buana" or natural phallic symbols, representing important aspects of the religious life of the Balinese people.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

1. Lingga Symbolism:

   • Mount Agung as Purusha: Mount Agung is seen as the embodiment of Purusha (male energy).
   • Mount Batur as Pradhana: Mount Batur is regarded as the manifestation of Pradhana (female energy).
   • The synergy between Purusha and Pradhana is essential for fertility and the well-being of the community. They are inseparable forces that work together to create prosperity.

2. Historical Context:

   • Ancient Origins: Mount Batur is one of the oldest mountains on the island, predating Mount Agung. It is noted that Mount Agung, which has been on high alert since September 22, 2017, emerged from the "lap" of Mount Batur after an eruption thousands of years ago.

Volcanic Activity:

• Simultaneous Activity: When Mount Agung erupted in February 1963, Mount Batur also experienced increased activity in September of the same year. Both mountains lie on the same tectonic plate line.

Daily Life and Agriculture:

• Water Source and Agriculture: Mountains are seen as sources of life and water catchment areas. Their slopes, covered with forests, support fertile land, making them crucial for agriculture. Many people live at the base of these mountains and utilize the fertile land for productive farming systems.

Tourism and Geography:

• Mount Batur: Located in Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Mount Batur is a popular tourist destination. The area includes Lake Batur, which is situated at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level, covering an area of 16 square kilometers with an average depth of 50.8 kilometers.

Eruption History:

• Eruptions of Mount Batur:
  • The first recorded eruption occurred in 1804, forming the main crater at the summit.
  • In 1821, another eruption happened from the same crater.
  • In 1849, an eruption produced lava flows extending to the southern edge of the lake.
  • Between 1994/1995 and 2003, Mount Batur erupted five times: in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
  • The 1998 eruption created a new crater known as the "Crater 98."

These elements illustrate the deep connection between the Balinese people and these two mountains, emphasizing their roles in the island's cultural, religious, and ecological landscapes.