The connection between environmental changes caused by the Samalas\neruption and archaeological remains in Bali has become a primary focus\nof archaeological research at BR_IN. The eruption of Mount Samalas in\nLombok in 1257 AD did not only leave material traces spread as far as\nBali, but also opened new perspectives in understanding environmental\nchanges and the dynamics of life in ancient Balinese society.<\/p>\n
Archaeological and geological evidence shows that volcanic disasters\ncan be one of the factors that helped shape the journey of societies and\ngovernance in the past. \u201cThe relationship between natural phenomena and\narchaeological remains is an important aspect that needs to be\ncontinuously studied,\u201d said the Head of the Research Organisation for\nArchaeology, Language, and Literature (Arbastra) at BRIN, Heri\nJogaswara, during a webinar on the impact of the Samalas eruption.<\/p>\n
According to Heri, research into the impact of disasters on past\nsocieties has the potential to reveal new findings and understandings\nregarding the history of the Nusantara archipelago. However, re-reading\nthe history of past societies through traces of environmental change\nrequires a multidisciplinary approach, specifically combining\narchaeology and geology. Therefore, collaboration between BRIN, the\nIndonesian Archaeological Association (IAI), universities, and various\nrelated parties must be strengthened to develop research while\npreserving Indonesia\u2019s cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
Re-reading the History of Ancient Bali<\/p>\n
I Gusti Made Suarbhawa, a researcher at the Centre for Prehistoric\nand Historical Archaeology Research (PR APS) at BRIN, stated that\nSamalas eruption material in the form of tephra was found in soil layers\nat several archaeological sites in Bali. These findings serve as\nimportant indicators for reading the changes that occurred in ancient\nBalinese society. Previously, changes or gaps in governance during\ncertain periods were largely linked to political dynamics and Bali\u2019s\nrelationship with kingdoms in East Java. Geological and archaeological\nevidence now opens the possibility of viewing environmental factors as\npart of the sequence of causes that influenced these changes.<\/p>\n
One significant finding is located at Pura Gelang Agung, Pelaga,\nNorth Badung. Archaeological and geological research in 2018 identified\na tephra layer consisting of sand and pumice at a depth of approximately\n100-130 centimetres. This layer of volcanic material was found\nassociated with structures and artefacts estimated to date from the\n11th-12th centuries. Damage to several structures and archaeological\nfindings at the site is believed to be related to the impact of the\nmassive Samalas eruption.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe traces of Samalas eruption material are not only found in\nLombok. The eruption material also spread to Bali, Sumbawa, and Java,\u201d\nsaid Suarbhawa. According to Suarbhawa, geological data shows that\neruption deposits cover parts of Bali with varying thicknesses. This\ninformation is crucial for merging geological evidence with\narchaeological data so that researchers can trace the relationship\nbetween environmental changes and the lives of past societies.<\/p>\n
With this approach, the history of ancient Bali is not only read\nthrough changes in power and political relations. Environmental factors,\nincluding natural disasters, must also be placed as part of the context\nthat shaped societal life and the development of civilisation.<\/p>\n
Impact Beyond the Eruption Zone<\/p>\n
The Chairman of the Indonesian Archaeological Association (IAAI),\nMarsis Sutradara, stated that various traces of volcanic eruptions in\nIndonesia show that natural disasters can have widespread impacts on\nhuman life. The influence can even relate to the sustainability of\nsettlements, kingdoms, and entire civilisations. He noted that the\nSamalas eruption is a significant event for observing how natural\nphenomena can affect human life across different regions.<\/p>\n
In line with this, the Chairman of the Indonesian Geological\nAssociation (IAGI) Bali, Ida Bagus Oka Agastya, stated that the scale of\nthe Samalas eruption demonstrates that the impact of an eruption cannot\nbe understood solely by the damage around the volcano. \u201cVolcanic ash can\ncover vegetation, disrupt agricultural production, affect soil\nhydrological systems, and cause health issues, particularly to the\nrespiratory system. Disruptions to food sources and the environment can\nalso lead to population displacement and changes in societal life\npatterns,\u201d explained Oka.<\/p>\n
According to Oka, the Samalas experience shows that volcanic\ndisasters cannot be understood from a purely geological perspective. The\nimpact can ripple through various aspects of life, ranging from the\nenvironment, food, and health to the economy and social structures.\nTherefore, multidisciplinary studies regarding the responses of past\nsocieties to disasters are relevant to modern mitigation efforts.\nEvacuation patterns, adaptability, and the recovery processes reflected\nin archaeological remains and historical sources can serve as knowledge\nto understand the resilience of communities in facing disasters.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/as-lombok-volcano-erupts-eruption-material-spreads-to-bali-and-java-1788612851", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }