History of Sulfur Miners in Ijen Crater

Ijen Crater, located on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso Regencies, East Java, is famous for its blue fire phenomenon and the largest acid lake in the world. However, behind its natural beauty, there is a story of the hard struggle of sulfur miners that has been going on for decades.

The Beginning of Sulfur Mining in Ijen Crater

The history of sulfur mining in Ijen Crater is estimated to have begun since the Dutch colonial era in the early 20th century. At that time, sulfur was an important commodity used in various industries, including the manufacture of fertilizers, medicines, and explosives. The Dutch saw great potential in Ijen Crater and began to develop a traditional mining system to extract sulfur from within the crater.

In the 1950s, after Indonesia’s independence, the management of the sulfur mines was taken over by the government. However, until now, the mining methods used are still traditional, relying on human labor without the help of modern technology.

Traditional Methods of Sulfur Mining

The sulfur miners in Ijen Crater work in very extreme conditions. They have to descend a steep, rocky path to reach the sulfur source located near the acid lake. There, sulfur gas comes out of cracks in the earth and condenses into yellow deposits after coming into contact with cold air.

The hardened sulfur is then cut using a crowbar or other simple tools. The miners transport the sulfur chunks using bamboo baskets carried on their shoulders. Each time they go up to the collection post, they can carry a load weighing 70–90 kilograms in one load.

The distance that the miners have to cover from the bottom of the crater to the weighing post can reach three kilometers with a steep uphill path. After arriving at the post, the sulfur is then weighed and sold at a price that is relatively low compared to the hard work they do.

Struggle and High Risk

Being a sulfur miner in the Ijen Crater is not an easy job. They have to work in an environment with high levels of toxic gas without adequate protection. Many of them only use wet cloth or simple masks to reduce the effects of the stinging sulfur gas.

In addition, the extreme temperatures in the crater, which can be very cold at night and hot during the day, as well as the difficult terrain, make this work even harder. Health risks such as respiratory problems, burns from sulfur gas, and injuries from carrying heavy loads are threats that always lurk for miners.

Changes and Challenges in the Modern Era

Along with the increasing popularity of the Ijen Crater as a tourist destination, many miners have begun to look for additional sources of income. One way they do this is by offering trolley services for tourists who want to reach the peak without having to walk.

Even so, work as a sulfur miner is still the main livelihood for many local residents. The unstable price of sulfur and dangerous working conditions are challenges for the miners. Efforts to improve their welfare continue to be made, including through safety equipment assistance programs and increasing the purchase price of sulfur.

The sulfur miners in the Ijen Crater are a symbol of the resilience and struggle of the local community. They work in difficult conditions to earn a living for their families. Although the modern world continues to develop, this traditional mining method remains as part of a historical heritage that is still alive today. The beauty of the Ijen Crater lies not only in its natural phenomena, but also in the story of human struggle to earn a living amidst the harshness of nature.