31 August 2026 - tiwi

The Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) and the Solah Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis Solah) of Lantan Village, North Batukliang District, Central Lombok Regency, organized the Lantan Expedition: Tracing the Geological Footprints of the 1257 CE Samalas Eruption.

The expedition involved 60 participants representing the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark team, the Rinjani Geopark Youth Forum (RGYF), Pokdarwis Solah Lantan, Lantan Village officials, lecturers from Hamzanwadi University, the BMKG Mataram Geophysical Station, Next Level Movement, Langit Cerah Project, ITSKes Muhammadiyah Selong, and local women’s community groups.

During the expedition, participants explored a diverse landscape, following river channels and passing through tropical forests, coffee plantations, and waterfalls. The route began at Nyeredet Spring, followed by an exploration of the source and course of the Lenek River, a visit to local coffee plantations, and finally Babak Pelangi Waterfall in Lantan.

Field observations revealed that the Lantan area is underlain by volcanic rocks, including breccia, tuff, and lava, which are exposed at several locations, particularly along the Babak River. Evidence of the major 1257 CE Samalas eruption can still be observed in layers of volcanic ash and pyroclastic deposits exposed around several springs and river cliffs. The volcanic soils produced by these eruptions have been utilized by local communities as fertile growing media and have become an important component of the ecological character of Lantan Village.

Following the Lantan Expedition, the soft trekking tourism package in Lantan Village gained additional value. Visitors can now experience not only the beauty of the natural landscape but also an educational journey introducing the area's geological processes, the history of the Samalas eruption, and the biodiversity found throughout Lantan.

This approach enriches the visitor experience while strengthening Lantan Village's position as an educational and sustainable geotourism destination within the Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark.