Volcanic Eruption
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, is located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This cultural hub of Javanese tradition is the only region in the country still governed by a monarchy. Yogyakarta holds a special place in my life, as it became my second home during my undergraduate studies.
Mount Merapi has erupted over 80 times throughout its history, with one of its most significant eruptions occurring in 2010. I witnessed this devastating event, which claimed 337 lives, destroyed dozens of villages, and forced over 100,000 people to evacuate. Among the casualties was Mbah Maridjan, the revered caretaker of Mount Merapi, appointed by the by the Sultan (King of Yogyakarta). His loss symbolized the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the local community and the volcano.
The southern slope of Mount Merapi is home to local communities that have learned to coexist with its frequent eruptions, leading to the development of a rich body of local knowledge. In Javanese culture, Mount Merapi is not only a geophysical entity but also a deeply symbolic one. It holds significant cosmological importance, forming part of a sacred axis that connects the volcano to the Yogyakarta palace (kraton) and the Southern Sea. Merapi represents a source of prosperity, while the Southern Sea symbolizes wealth and power.
Mount Merapi embodies dual values: horizontal unity, signifying harmony between humans and nature, and vertical unity, reflecting the connection between humans and their Creator. These beliefs inspire a mythical reverence for the mountain and promote a philosophy of living in balance with nature.
From this perspective, the recurring eruptions are viewed as a natural cycle, fostering a sense of "common sense" among the local people. They have learned to identify early warning signs of an impending eruption, such as the appearance of Wedus Gembel (hot clouds), significant temperature increases, prolonged droughts, intensified earthquake tremors, and the movement of animals descending from the mountain.
This acceptance of Merapi’s natural rhythms has shaped the community's resilience. After an eruption, they recognize the fertility of the volcanic deposits, which enhance agricultural livelihoods. Remarkably, post-eruption, the ecosystem of Merapi demonstrates a natural resilience. Unprecedented plant species often emerge in the area, and the flora and fauna quickly recover, highlighting the mountain’s ability to regenerate after being scorched by lava and hot clouds.
Indonesia and Local Knowledge Preservation
Local wisdom serves as a cornerstone of national identity in Indonesia. It reflects the rich diversity of cultural values shaped by cross-cultural transformations. This dynamic interplay of local traditions contributes to the development of shared national cultural values.
In Indonesia, local wisdom represents a philosophy and way of life that manifests across various domains, including social and economic systems, architecture, health practices, environmental management, and more. Given its profound importance, the education system plays a critical role in preserving and transmitting this local knowledge. Through education, these cultural values can be safeguarded and adapted for future generations, ensuring their relevance and continuity in an ever-changing world.
According to the 2003 Law of the Republic of Indonesia on the National Education System, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article 1, Verse 16, community-based education is defined as education implemented with consideration of religious, social, cultural, and societal aspirations and potential. It embodies the principle of education “of, by, and for the people.“ This framework encourages local governments to incorporate inclusive subjects that embrace local knowledge within the formal education system. By doing so, it ensures that education not only reflects the diversity of local traditions and values but also strengthens the connection between communities and their cultural heritage.
In reflecting on this article, I would like to emphasize that local knowledge plays a crucial role in enhancing a community's resilience to disasters. However, the tendency to romanticize local knowledge has posed challenges to its recognition in modern society. In reality, local knowledge is invaluable in reducing disaster risks.
It is essential to recognize and integrate this knowledge, particularly in the context of climate-induced disasters. For example, agricultural communities possess deep insights that can help mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting the planet and its ecosystems.
Read the first part of the article here.
Reni Juwitasari is a Researcher at the Asian Research Center for International Development (ARCID), based at the School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.
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