Merapi and Its Dynamic ‘Disaster Culture’

Oral traditions surrounding Merapi volcano in Central Java are not merely mythological but contain valuable geological observations that have historically helped local communities understand and mitigate volcanic hazards. These traditions, rooted in a deep cultural engagement with the dynamic environment, remain relevant today as contemporary scientific methods—such as real-time seismic monitoring, drone photogrammetry, and tomography—integrate them to enhance hazard communication. The study highlights how Merapi serves as both a geophysical entity and a cosmological symbol, linking the volcano to the Yogyakarta palace (kraton) and the Southern Sea, underscoring its social and scientific significance. While modern science has advanced with precise data visualization tools, oral narratives continue to play a crucial role in preventing loss of life by bridging cultural knowledge with contemporary risk assessment.

Holmberg, K. (2023). Merapi and Its Dynamic ‘Disaster Culture’. Merapi Volcano, 67–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15040-1_3