Collective Memory and Disaster Risk Reduction in Turgo and Karangkendal Communities Around Merapi

Syamsul Fuad; Toetik Koesbardiyati; Ririh Yudhastuti

doi:10.59141/jiss.v7i10.2595

Authors

Syamsul Fuad Universitas Airlangga
Toetik Koesbardiyati Universitas Airlangga
Ririh Yudhastuti Universitas Airlangga

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59141/jiss.v7i10.2595

Keywords:

Merapi eruption, Collective memory, Disaster risk reduction

Abstract

Communities surrounding Mount Merapi have experienced recurrent volcanic eruptions for generations, developing local knowledge and disaster preparedness practices that have been preserved and transmitted through collective memory. This study examined how collective memory influenced disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices and explored why inherited local wisdom did not always prevent casualties during volcanic eruptions. A qualitative study was conducted between 2025 and 2026 in Turgo Hamlet and the Karangkendal Permanent Resettlement Area (Hunian Tetap or Huntap Karangkendal), Sleman Regency, Indonesia. Six participants, comprising community members and key informants, were interviewed in depth. Data collection was supported by field observations of residential settlements, observation of the labuhan ritual procession, and a review of historical eruption records and relevant literature. The findings revealed that collective memory evolved following the major eruptions of 1994, 2006, and 2010. Delayed evacuation or failure to evacuate was associated with responsibilities for livestock, previous experiences of settlements remaining unaffected, beliefs regarding natural protective barriers and predictable eruption pathways, perceived moral obligations, the rapid onset and progression of volcanic hazards, and the absence of timely warnings during the 1994 eruption. Disaster risk reduction practices gradually shifted from reliance on natural warning signs and manually operated warning devices toward official volcanic alert levels, siren systems, digital communication technologies, household emergency preparedness, designated evacuation routes, disaster preparedness training, and evacuation simulations. Collective memory was transmitted through family narratives, annual commemorative activities, memorial monuments, and youth participation, although declining interest among younger generations posed challenges to its intergenerational continuity. The findings demonstrated that collective memory could strengthen community preparedness and disaster resilience while also perpetuating inaccurate assumptions about volcanic hazards. Therefore, historical verification and the integration of scientifically validated hazard information were essential to ensure that collective memory contributed effectively to local disaster knowledge, risk communication, and evidence-informed disaster risk reduction strategies.

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