Recently, the online community was stirred by the viral claim that the eruption of Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi has caused the widespread dispersion of sulfur dioxide (SO2), potentially leading to acid rain across Indonesia. These claims quickly spread through social media, particularly TikTok, but it is important to verify their accuracy with proper scientific data.

The eruption of Mount Ruang on April 16, 2024, has indeed raised concerns about the environment, particularly regarding SO2 emissions. According to Sofyan Primulyana, Senior Researcher at the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the concentration of SO2 emitted by volcanoes greatly depends on the conditions of the magma and the intensity of the eruption. These conditions can vary and do not always indicate the same level of danger in every region.

Social media, especially TikTok, often serves as a platform for spreading quick information that may not be accurate. For example, videos featuring data from Windy.com are often taken as evidence of SO2 spread, but it is important to remember that this data represents predictive models that may differ from actual conditions.

Windy.com does show concentrations of SO2 in several areas, however both BMKG and PVMBG emphasize that this data cannot be considered conclusive without further verification. Information from Windy.com should be supported by direct observations and data collected from ground monitoring stations.

It is also important to understand that although high concentrations of SO2 can be dangerous, this gas is generally dissolved in the atmosphere. The actual impact of SO2 emissions into the atmosphere is usually limited to the area around the eruption and does not extend to distant areas without certain atmospheric conditions that support widespread dispersion.

"In addition, geologists added that the interaction of SO2 with water vapor in the atmosphere forms acid droplets that have local impacts, unlike the global dangers often reported on social media."

From the analysis above, it is clear that the claim regarding the spread of SO2 from Mount Ruang causing acid rain throughout Indonesia is more of a myth than a fact. The public is urged to rely on information from official sources such as BMKG and PVMBG and not to be influenced by unverified information. Being vigilant and critical of viral news is key to avoiding unnecessary panic.

Source : Peterson Indonesia 

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