Indonesia is not only known as the world’s largest archipelagic nation but also holds the remarkable distinction of having the highest number of volcanoes on Earth. This title is more than just a statistical figure—it reflects the complex geological forces that have shaped the nation’s landscape from Sabang to Merauke.
With a high number of active volcanoes, a strategic location at the convergence of tectonic plates, and a dramatic history of eruptions, Indonesia occupies a unique position on the global volcanic map.
Located Along the Pacific Ring of Fire
One of the main reasons Indonesia is home to so many volcanoes is its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This horseshoe-shaped belt stretches from South America to Southeast Asia and is home to around 75% of the world’s active volcanoes.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Indonesia sits directly on this ring, making it one of the most volcanically active regions on the planet.
Further intensifying this activity is the fact that Indonesia lies at the junction of three major tectonic plates: the Indo-Australian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Pacific Plate. This triple-plate convergence results in frequent and powerful geological activity, both tectonic and volcanic.
The Geological Agency of Indonesia under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) also provides detailed explanations about these dynamics on their official platform.
These volcanoes are not confined to one region but are spread widely across the archipelago. From Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, to the islands of Maluku, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi, volcanic peaks shape the topography and ecosystems of nearly every major island group in the country.
Hundreds of Volcanoes, Dozens Still Active
According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, Indonesia has 109 volcanoes that have formed during the Holocene epoch—approximately the last 11,700 years. This places Indonesia at the top globally in terms of volcanoes formed during this geological period.
Meanwhile, data from WorldData.info reports that Indonesia has 129 volcanoes in total, with more than 80 still active, including five located under the sea. These numbers are subject to updates as ongoing geological monitoring and assessments continue.
Historic Eruptions That Changed the World
Indonesia has also etched its mark in history through some of the most powerful volcanic eruptions ever recorded. One of the most significant was the eruption of Mount Tambora in West Nusa Tenggara in 1815. This eruption is recognized as one of the largest in human history and triggered extreme global climate disruptions—including the infamous "Year Without a Summer."
Another devastating event was the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, a tragedy that shook the world. The explosion unleashed a massive tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 36,000 people.
Its impact was not only felt locally but also globally, affecting atmospheric conditions and leaving lasting psychological and geophysical scars across several regions.
PVMBG: Indonesia’s Front Line in Volcano Monitoring
Faced with such immense risks, Indonesia has not remained passive. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plays a critical role in monitoring the country's volcanic activity.
According to its official website, vsi.esdm.go.id, PVMBG actively monitors more than 120 active volcanoes using advanced technologies such as seismographs, GPS, visual surveillance via drones, and CCTV cameras.
In addition to technical monitoring, PVMBG is also committed to public education and disaster mitigation—particularly for communities living in high-risk volcanic zones. These efforts are essential in cultivating a culture of preparedness and resilience in the face of volcanic threats.
With its extraordinary geological wealth, Indonesia holds a central place in global volcanology research. Yet, this immense natural potential also comes with very real disaster risks. From cataclysmic eruptions to cutting-edge mitigation strategies, Indonesia demonstrates that coexisting with volcanoes is an inseparable part of its national identity.
It’s no wonder the country is often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Volcanoes"—a title that is not just poetic, but also grounded in scientific reality.
