Tropical glaciers near Indonesia's Puncak Jaya face total loss within two years

The short version

• Glacial coverage around Puncak Jaya in Papua has fallen from roughly 1,900 hectares in the 19th century to about 16 hectares today.[BBC News]
• Researchers report that glaciated areas receded by 95% between the early 2000s and 2025 due to human-driven atmospheric warming.[BBC News]
• The melting affects at least five Indigenous groups with sacred generational ties to the peak, including the Amungme people.[BBC News]
• Scientists are deploying drones and 3D mapping techniques to document the remaining ice before it disappears entirely.[BBC News]

Key facts

• Glacier coverage around Puncak Jaya has diminished from approximately 1,900 hectares in the 19th century to around 16 hectares today.[BBC News]
• The glaciated area receded by 95% from the early 2000s to 2025, leaving only small patches of ice.[BBC News]
• A century ago, snow and permanent ice covered all four major peaks along the 300-kilometer Sudirman Range.[BBC News]
• At least five Indigenous groups, including the Amungme, hold long-standing spiritual connections to the peaks.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• The treasured 'eternal snow' on this tropical island is about to disappear foreverBBC News - Science & Environment