Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Carstensz Pyramid, also known as Puncak Jaya, is the tallest mountain in Indonesia, rising within the Jayawijaya Mountains in Papua. This mountain range stretches across the heart of Papua Island, from West Papua to near Indonesia’s eastern border.
The Jayawijaya Mountains dominate the landscape of Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being Indonesia’s highest peak, Carstensz Pyramid is the tallest mountain in Australasia (Oceania), making it part of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.
Carstensz Pyramid Height
According to the Puncak Papua Regency Government, Carstensz Pyramid stands at approximately 4,884 meters (16,024 feet) above sea level. This places Carstensz Pyramid, located in Indonesia’s Jayawijaya Mountains, Papua, among the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent.
The mountain stands alongside the world’s seven Summit, including:
- Mount Everest, Himalayas (Asia) – 8,848 meters (29,029 feet)
- Aconcagua, South America – 6,961 meters (22,838 feet)
- Denali, North America – 6,190 meters (20,310 feet)
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa – 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
- Mount Elbrus, Europe – 5,642 meters (18,510 feet)
- Vinson Massif, Antarctica – 4,892 meters (16,050 feet)
Within Indonesia, Carstensz Pyramid is part of the Jayawijaya mountain range, which stands alongside another notable peak. Another peak at Jayawijaya including Puncak Mandala – 4,760 meters (15,617 feet), Puncak Trikora – 4,730 meters (15,518 feet), Puncak Indeberg – 4,673 meters (15,328 feet), Puncak Yamin – 4,535 meters (14,878 feet), and East Carstensz Peak – 4,400 meters (14,436 feet).
Origins of the Name “Carstensz”
The mountain was named after Jan Carstenszoon, a Dutch explorer who, in 1623, became the first to report the presence of snow-covered peaks in tropical New Guinea.
Locally, Carstensz Pyramid is called “Nemangkawi Ninggok,” meaning “White Arrow Peak.” The mountain was first successfully climbed in 1962 by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who later chronicled his expedition.
A Unique Mountain
Carstensz Pyramid is recognized as one of the world’s most unique karst (limestone) formations. Carstensz Pyramid is a limestone mountain with permanent snow, an unusual feature for a tropical region.
The peak is among the few places along the equator that remain snow-capped year-round. It is one of only five locations along the equator with permanent glaciers.
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According to Indonesia’s Karst Monitoring Panel, the Carstensz karst landscape is a significant geological feature both nationally and globally. In 1992, glaciers at Puncak Jaya covered an estimated 3,300 hectares (8,154 acres).
The karst formations of Papua, found at elevations of 3,000–4,500 meters (9,842–14,764 feet), are part of Indonesia’s vast karst network, which extends from Papua to Aceh in western Indonesia.
These limestone highlands contribute to unique ecosystems, influencing flora, fauna, and local communities that have adapted to the rugged terrain.
(Raidi/Agung)
