The dangerous-and daring-stunt of a tourist at Indonesia's Mount Dukono, an active volcano, has courted outrage and immense criticism after a video surfaced of her climbing to the rim of the crater as plumes of smoke erupted into the air. The shocking footage, which quickly went viral on social media over the weekend, puts a spotlight on yet another alarming instance of reckless tourism at natural disaster sites.
This controversy comes only four months after another group of hikers narrowly escaped death when Mount Dukono erupted, sending clouds of toxic gas, ash, and molten rock cascading down its slopes. Drone footage from that incident captured the climbers scrambling for safety, narrowly dodging the fallout from the eruption. The dangers of Mount Dukono are well-known, yet thrill-seekers continue to disregard the peril.
The caption accompanying the video, complete with a smug, smily face, reads: "Remember the video that I posted back in August? Seems people don't learn."
Social media blew up in criticism with many referring to the hiker for her "foolhardy" behavior.
- "What?! That's wild! I'm an adrenaline-fueled person, and I would not do this. I prefer breathing," one such user commented.
- "If the wind had changed even a bit, she would have been dead in an instant from pyroclastic flow," added another.
- "They actually think that people are impressed by their stupid actions when they film themselves doing ridiculously dangerous things," said another user.
A History of Reckless Tourism
Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, has long been a hotspot for thrill-seekers despite its dangerous reputation. Earlier this year, a group of climbers narrowly escaped disaster when an eruption sent ash clouds 600 meters into the air and spewed out molten rock. In comments on social media, many have highlighted the simple irresponsibility of the stunts-not just for those who are climbing but also for any emergency teams that may be called upon to risk their own lives in rescuing those who get into trouble. ### The Risks of Volcanic Tourism
Experts warn that approaching an active volcano too closely is not only dangerous but also life-threatening. In one second, the toxic gases, pyroclastic flows, and flying debris can make such stunts fatal.
- Toxic Gases: Gases emitted from volcanoes, like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, can cause serious respiratory problems or even asphyxiation.
- Pyroclastic Flows: These are rapid-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic material that can reach as high as 700 km/h, leaving no time for escape. Volcanic Debris: Rocks thrown out during eruptions can travel great distances and cause serious injuries or fatalities.
Incidents of this kind raise important questions about social media's role in luring people into dangerous acts. The prospect of going viral has lured many an adventurer to take unnecessary risks, sometimes with consequences. Now, local authorities and environmental groups are urging tourists to be more cautious and show respect for the power of nature.
More than 120 active volcanoes are tumbled in Indonesia, attracting people for adventure trips. Of course, this must not be a threat in the name of adventure trips.
Conclusion
The recent viral moment about Mount Dukono was just a grim reminder of how tourism can be really careless. As the criticism continues to pour in, this tourist's risky act seems to have sparked not just outrage but also a broader conversation about responsible travel in hazardous environments.
Would you risk your life for a photo or video? The answer should be pretty clear: absolutely not. A lesson to all those who are in awe of the beauty and strength of volcanoes: such sights are best viewed from a distance and never, ever on the whim of wonder.