Preliminary Study on Geomorphological Dynamics in a Post-Caldera Volcanic Complex Influencing Human-Landscape Relationship in Dieng Highland, Indonesia

Abstract

The Dieng Highland in Indonesia, home to one million people, is one of the most densely populated volcanic regions in the world. With a geological history dating back to the Pleistocene and human settlement since the 8th century, this area offers an excellent case study for examining geomorphological dynamics in a volcanic environment and their influence on the formation of human-landscape relationships. This paper presents a preliminary report on this topic, covering two objectives: analyzing geomorphological dynamics and the resulting human-landscape interactions. Data for this study were collected through geomorphological surveys, literature reviews, remote sensing interpretation, and documents. The data were analyzed descriptively using a geomorphological approach, supported by remote sensing and geographic information systems analysis. There are two significant findings in this study. First, the Dieng Highland comprises a volcanic complex of 12 stratocones. Among these 12 volcanoes, only one has experienced a magmatic eruption within human history. In the absence of magmatic eruptions that contribute to structural formation, there is currently a shift in geomorphological dynamics from volcanism to exogenic denudation. Second, in the absence of magmatic eruptions, anthropogenic activity has become increasingly widespread, with non-forest land use occurring across various stratocones. Erosion and mass movements are common during this period, as evidenced by numerous landslides on stratocone slopes and rapid sedimentation in basin areas. In summary, this study provides preliminary findings that can serve as a basis for further investigation to uncover long-term human-landscape interactions in volcanic environments.