Bridging the existence indigenous knowledge and disaster education: An example of Mount Slamet in Central Java, Indonesia

Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in disaster mitigation, especially in the communities around Mount Slamet, Central Java, Indonesia. This study examines local tradition and sites such as Merti Bumi, Batur Kedawung, Igir Tembalang, and Batu Leebrag, which are the embodiment of adaptive strategies for volcanic disaster preparedness. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings of the study show that indigenous knowledge improves community resilience by providing early warning signs, spatial awareness, and culturally embedded mitigation measures. Integrating indigenous knowledge into geography education offers a holistic disaster risk reduction strategy, bridging traditional and scientific perspectives. However, the preservation of local knowledge faces challenges, including urbanization, generational shifts, and limited empirical validation. In addition, rigid national curricula often neglect community-based knowledge, thus limiting its integration into formal education. To address this issue, an inclusive framework is needed to incorporate indigenous knowledge into disaster education, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between educators, policymakers, and local communities to maintain indigenous knowledge as a dynamic resource for disaster preparedness.