In the heart of Papua, Indonesia, a profound transformation is underway as the once “eternal snow” on Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, is on the brink of vanishing. These mountains, which lie close to the equator, have been capped with snow for centuries, providing invaluable insights into the Earth’s climatic history. This region, located on the world’s second-largest island just north of Australia, holds significant spiritual meaning for the Indigenous Papuan communities.
Disappearing Glaciers
A century ago, the Sudirman Range boasted snow and ice covering all its major peaks. Now, only remnants of this ice remain around Puncak Jaya, expected to disappear completely within a few years. From nearly 1,900 hectares in the 19th century, the glacier cover has dwindled to about 16 hectares today.
Marie Šabacká, a glacier ecologist from the Czech Republic, recently visited Puncak Jaya, eager to study these unique tropical glaciers before they vanish. She notes that Papua’s glaciers are distinct because they are isolated from other glacier systems by thousands of kilometers, representing the last remaining tropical ice between the Andes and Himalayas.
Ice cores extracted from these slopes hold records of past atmospheric conditions, offering scientists a glimpse into the climatic shifts in the surrounding Pacific Ocean regions. Yet this natural archive is disappearing before it can be fully explored.
Climate Change Impact
The retreat of these glaciers is a stark indicator of global warming, driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. As global temperatures rise, the freezing point ascends higher up the mountains, resulting in more rain and less snow.
El Niño events can hasten this process, while local conditions like cloud cover and mountain topography also play roles. In equatorial regions like Papua, permanent ice can only survive at high altitudes within specific climatic conditions. A slight temperature increase or change in precipitation can determine the glaciers’ fate.
The glacier loss not only signifies a warming planet but also strips away a vital biological habitat and a culturally significant landscape for the Indigenous people.
Cultural Significance and Economic Development
The spiritual connection between the Papuan people and Puncak Jaya is profound. For generations, Indigenous groups have revered this mountain. The Moni people call it Mbainggela, while the Amungme refer to it as Nemangkawi, the “White Arrow,” symbolizing purity and moral integrity.
Amungme activist Adolfina Kum highlights the cultural devastation that accompanies the ice’s disappearance. She equates the loss of Nemangkawi to the destruction of sacred sites like Mecca or the Vatican for other religious communities.
Beyond spiritual loss, the region has faced significant changes due to the discovery of rich copper and gold deposits. This has led to large-scale mining operations, transforming the landscape and affecting the traditional ways of life for many Papuans. While these developments have brought economic opportunities, they have also caused environmental damage and social upheaval.
As the glaciers retreat, scientists like Klaus Thymann are documenting the changes using advanced techniques. Thymann notes that from the early 2000s to 2025, the glaciated area has decreased by 95%, leaving almost no ice.
The loss of these glaciers, described as “eternal,” prompts a powerful reaction, serving as a potent symbol of climate change’s impact. For the Indigenous communities, the fading glaciers represent a loss of cultural roots and a vital source of strength.
