The extreme roof of Papua, yet still offering quiet beauty

The Carstensz Mountains in Papua are not only known as home to Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia’s highest peak, but also contain a landscape of natural lakes formed in the extreme environment of high mountains. These lakes are located in the heart of the Sudirman Mountains, surrounded by limestone cliffs, glacial valleys, and the remains of the last tropical glaciers in Indonesia. Their existence makes Carstensz a region of great geographical, ecological, and scientific importance.

Most of the lakes in the Carstensz region were formed by glacial processes and meltwater. Over thousands of years, the glaciers that once covered this region eroded the rock and created natural basins. As the climate began to warm and the glaciers receded, these basins filled with water, forming mountain lakes with crystal clear water and low temperatures. To this day, these lakes bear witness to global climate change, even in tropical regions.

Beyond their visual appeal, the lakes in the Carstensz region play an important ecological role. Their waters are a source of life for microorganisms and endemic plants that can survive in extreme conditions. Culturally, the area around the lake also has special significance for the indigenous Amungme people, who view the mountains, water, and land as an integral part of their spiritual life and identity.

Access to the Carstensz lakes is not easy. Their remote location, difficult terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions mean that this area can only be reached by experienced climbers or research teams. It is precisely because of this limited access that the lakes have remained relatively untouched by mass exploitation and excessive tourism.

Amidst the issue of the accelerating melting of the Carstensz glacier, the lakes in this region have now also become important objects for environmental and climate change studies. Changes in water color, lake volume, and flow patterns are natural indicators that help scientists understand the impact of global warming in high mountainous tropical regions.

The lakes in Carstensz are not merely elements of the landscape, but part of a complex and fragile natural system. Their tranquil beauty serves as a reminder that Papua possesses extraordinary natural wealth, as well as a great responsibility to preserve its balance for future generations.