There is always a wisdom behind disasters. It was happened when Merapi, most active volcano in Indonesia, erupted in 2006. Thousands people became refugees, moreover two volunteers died after trapped in the bunker when lava and the hot cloud “attack” tourism areas in Kaliadem, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The eruption happened on 16 June 2006, at about 14.47pm. Millions cubic of lava glided from peak of Merapi and then loaded Kali Bebeng (Bebeng river). The lava came very fast from the peak and resulted huge energy so when the lava crashing the wall of the river, it flew up. Then the Lava destroyed Bebeng Tourism Garden. The Garden covered by lava in whole areas, hundreds trees and several building damaged and burned on that areas. Now, Bebeng Tourim Garden has changed as lava tourism. Pile of million cubic volcanic material like sand and stone which covered the areas, became a beautiful panorama. It is unique because rare place like that. In another side for many tourists, volcanic material could be an object study or geological research. Local government named Bebeng Tourism as Lava Tour. “On the Sunday or on the weekend many tourist is visiting here. Maybe at about 1.000 or 2.000 tourists. They are local tourist and from abroad,” said Dalimin and Naryono, official from Lava Tour management. Dalimin said every year, tourist who has come to Bebeng is always increasing especially tourist from abroad, example from European country, Japan, and from USA. “Lava Tour is decided as prime destination by several tourism bureau besides Borobudur, Prambanan and Keraton Jogja,” added Dalimin. Dalimin also explained to reach Kaliadem, tourist can use public transportation from Pakem Sleman or from Prambanan Klaten. Beside volcanic material, when we come to Kaliadem, we will see beautiful mountain natural panorama included peak of Merapi mountain. And then we can visit Mbah Maridjan, the elders of Merapi from Keraton Yogyakarta. Solo, September 4th, 2010 Takken from demibumi.com (my another blog)
