Java in Jeopardy

Scientists regard it as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Time and again, it has proved its deadly potential – Merapi, the Fire Mountain of Java.

In the past hundred years alone, it has claimed over 1,500 victims. The risk of another serious eruption is high and could possibly even have consequences which would be felt globally. Now scientists are looking for a thus far unknown tectonic disturbance, which might possibly prove the key to their research. The researchers are pursuing two main goals: firstly, to enhance the forecasting options to enable people in the densely populated region to be protected more efficiently in the future. And secondly, they want to understand the mechanisms of this highly volatile type of volcano, which serves as an example of a number of particularly dangerous volcanoes on the planet. The film focuses on an expedition to the 3,000-metre high rim of the steaming crater. The camera accompanies the researchers into a world which is both hostile to life and fascinating. What is the crack which suddenly winds its way through the centre of the volcano? And what danger really lurks in the ground beneath the island of Java? Together with researchers from all around the globe, the film engages in an exciting search for clues on Indonesia’s most active volcano.