3.17.2015
Mount Tambora in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province is celebrating 200 years since a great eruption that happened in 1815. The local government of NTB, with support from the Tourism Ministry and Indonesian media company Kompas, will commemorate the occasion by holding a series of events known as Tambora Menyapa Dunia (Tambora greets the world), which will last until August 2015.
“We have been preparing for this moment since three years ago,” NTV Deputy Governor Muhammad Amin told a press conference in Jakarta on March 11, while also noting that the celebration would be the perfect moment for the people of NTB to further improve on efforts to promote tourism in the province.
NTB is a relatively familiar name as a tourist destination, thanks to the likes of the Gili Islands and the pink-colored sand at Tangsi Beach. However, most of the famous spots are located on Lombok, leaving the neighboring Sumbawa Island with much to be explored.
Thus, Tambora Menyapa Dunia will be an opportunity for the people of Sumbawa to show that their island is just as exciting as their neighbor.
Mt. Tambora is located on a peninsula in Sumbawa, towering 2,850 meters above sea level. A large caldera was formed on top of it due to the 1815 eruption.
The eruption itself triggered many historical events around the world. Aside from destroying three kingdoms situated within the area, Tambora’s eruption is said to have caused the Western world to endure one of the coldest years ever, known as the ‘Year Without a Summer’. The extreme weather killed many horses, which is said to have forced Europeans to invent bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.
Such a description shows just how monumental Mt. Tambora is as a — still active — volcano, making a good reason to visit this historical mountain during Tambora Menyapa Dunia.
The event consists of various activities, ranging from cultural shows to sports competitions. Kompas, for example, will hold a 408-kilometer cycling competition from Lombok to Mt. Tambora. These events are being held not only on Mt. Tambora but throughout the province.
