# Glacier retreat in Papua, Indonesia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/glacier-retreat-in-papua-indonesia
> Updated: 2026-09-29T04:39:12.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The tropical glaciers located in the Sudirman Range of Papua, Indonesia, are projected to disappear entirely within the next one to two years. These ice masses, which include the Carstensz Glacier on Puncak Jaya, represent the last remaining tropical ice between the Andes and the Himalayas.

Data indicates a massive reduction in glacier cover, shrinking from approximately 1,900 hectares in the 19th century to roughly 16 hectares today. It is estimated that 95% of this loss has occurred since 2002. While scientists have utilized these ice cores to study climate history and atmospheric conditions, researchers warn that this vital archive is vanishing due to human-induced atmospheric warming.

Beyond scientific value, the loss of this ‘perpetual snow’ carries cultural weight, as the ice holds deep spiritual significance for local communities.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Southeast Asian tropical glaciers could disappear within two years

Southeast Asia's final tropical glaciers on Indonesia's Puncak Jaya may vanish within two years due to rapid climate-driven melting.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southeast-asian-tropical-glaciers-could-disappear-within-two-years

### 2026-09-25: Papua's tropical glaciers face total disappearance within two years

The tropical glaciers on Papua's Puncak Jaya are expected to disappear within two years, having shrunk from 1,900 hectares in the 19th century to just 16 hectares today due to global warming.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/papuas-tropical-glaciers-face-total-disappearance-within-two-years

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Cite as: Glacier retreat in Papua, Indonesia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/glacier-retreat-in-papua-indonesia