The Geology Study Program (Prodi) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, through the Cadre and Development Division of the Geology Student Association (HMG) Kaldera UI, recently implemented a program titled Hiking with Geology Residents (Himawari) on Mount Ciremai, located in the Kuningan and Majalengka Regencies. This activity was motivated by the Geology Study Program academic community’s love of mountain climbing.

This mountain climbing activity was the first of its kind for the UI Kaldera Student Association (HMG). Involving 32 active student members of the UI Kaldera Student Association (HMG) and one lecturer, the activity took place from July 2–5, 2023.

Reza Syahputra, Ph.D., the only lecturer from the Geology Study Program who participated in the climb, said that the aim of this activity was to build stronger synergy among the academic community within the Geology Study Program, FMIPA UI.

“It is hoped that this activity will foster closer relationships among fellow academics,” Reza told the FMIPA UI Public Relations team.

“From a geological perspective, Mount Ciremai is a type of stratovolcano composed of andesite-basaltic lava lithology, volcanic breccia, and pyroclastic deposits,” he added.

After a lengthy series of preparations, the Himawari participants departed for Majalengka on Sunday evening (July 2, 2023) at 8:00 PM WIB from the Book Monument on the UI Campus in Depok. The group then arrived at base camp Mount Ciremai on Monday morning (3/7/2023) at around 02.30 WIB.

Wearing their bright red group jackets as a symbol of identity and pride, they began their climb at 9:15 a.m. WIB. Beforehand, the adventurers were required to have breakfast, register, undergo a health check, and warm up.

Participants were divided into six groups, with groups 1-3 starting the climb first, followed by groups 4-6 at 5-minute intervals. The climb took seven hours to reach the shadow post. The increasingly steep slopes and increasingly rocky trail proved no obstacle for the Himawari participants.

Arriving at the shadow post at around 17.30 WIB, the participants set up tents to rest and cook dinner.

That night, the sky looked so welcoming, not even a drop of rain disturbed the togetherness. Amidst the togetherness, jokes, banter, and laughter seemed enough to break the silence of the deepening night.

The following day, Thursday (July 4, 2023), at 2:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), the participants prepared for the climb before sunrise. Without skipping breakfast or warming up, the journey to the summit of Mount Ciremai via the Apuy route began, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The journey to the summit became increasingly difficult as participants crossed the former lava flow path of Mount Ciremai, which was filled with boulders and sand and had a very steep slope.

Lady Luck was once again on the side of the participants. The Himawari adventurers successfully reached the summit of West Java’s highest mountain, at 3,078 meters above sea level, at around 5:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time.

From the mountaintop, a breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes. Cloud-shrouded peaks are illuminated by the reflection of dawn rising from the east, and the moon beginning to fade in the west creates an equally breathtaking sight. All this beauty is enhanced by the warm, communal atmosphere that seems to erase any fatigue from the climb. All that’s visible are faces filled with awe and joy.

The red of their attire also contrasted sharply against the backdrop of Mount Ciremai, which was dominated by the blue sky, green forest, and brownish peaks. Their presence seemed to “redden” the summit.

The participants began to leave the mountain peak to return to the campsite and prepare to descend. base camp. Exactly at 13.45 WIB the participants started walking down to base camp and requires a travel time of 3 hours.

The journey home begins by car pick up to Maja Terminal, and then continued by specially chartered bus to the UI Book Monument. Participants arrived at the UI Book Monument on Wednesday (July 5, 2023) at approximately 12:10 a.m. WIB.

“The three days and three nights spent together created unforgettable moments that left a lasting impression on every participant. Three days forever,” Reza concluded the interview with the UI Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Public Relations team.