Navigating risk and resilience: Exploring cultural, local responses, livelihoods, and institutions to Mount Merapi's volcanic hazards

Mount Merapi, among the world’s most active volcanoes, poses complex risks while fostering unique opportunities for surrounding communities. This study investigates how local knowledge, cultural practices, and institutional frameworks converge to shape adaptive strategies and resilience in the face of volcanic hazards. Employing qualitative methods, including in-depth and group interviews with local residents, community leaders, traditional authorities, and government representatives, the research applies thematic and narrative analyses to illuminate both practical and cultural dimensions of everyday risk navigation. Findings demonstrate that local and spiritual knowledge, lived experience, and collaborative networks are pivotal for hazard recognition and community preparedness. The integration of these local capacities with modern tools—such as real-time monitoring and participatory evacuation planning—amplifies their effectiveness. Meanwhile, economic activities like sand mining and tourism generate both livelihoods and new vulnerabilities, highlighting persistent social and environmental trade-offs. Ultimately, the study concludes that disaster resilience on Mount Merapi is inherently multidimensional, demanding the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge, sustainable economic practices, and inclusive policy approaches.