âA misty glimpse of East JavaâWords and Photos Agung ParameswaraWalking across the vast stretch of sand of Mt
'A misty glimpse of East Java'
Words and Photos Agung Parameswara
Walking across the vast stretch of sand of Mt. Bromo and looking across to the stunning view of nearby volcano Mount Semeru is sure to be a memorable moment.
Mt. Bromo is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and is currently spewing sulfurous ash over the eastern part of Java, hence visitors have been warned to stay away due the imminent risk of eruption.
Many prefer to climb the mountain before dawn so they can enjoy the majestic sunrise from the summit. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., the nearby hills are blanketed in chilly fog, making for a surreal view.
Standing 2,329 meters above sea level, Mt. Bromo is located on the border of Lumajang, Pasuruan, Malang and Probolinggo regencies in East Java. Home to the indigenous Hindu Tengger people, the volcano is rich in legends and history.
One story claims that the Tengger people are descendants of Princess Roro Anteng and her husband Joko Seger. The couple was once childless and prayed to the gods of the mountain to ask for children. The gods bestowed 25 children on the couple, but required them to sacrifice their 25th child, Kesuma, by throwing the child into the crater.
Nowadays, the human sacrifice ritual has been replaced with sacrificial animals, fruit and vegetables in an annual ceremony called Yadnya Kasada.
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