Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, is located on the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java. The eruption had a significant impact on the environment and society. In the last few decades, Merapi’s volcanic activity has increased, with the last most significant eruption occurring in 2010. This phenomenon affects the ecosystem, agriculture and the lives of local communities. The environmental impact of the Merapi eruption is very extensive. Volcanic material such as ash and lava covers the surrounding area, changing the soil structure. Volcanic ash can improve soil fertility in the long term, but in the short term, it harms agriculture. Plants, such as rice and vegetables, often cannot survive due to blocking sunlight and soil contamination with dangerous substances. In addition, lava flows cause profound changes in river flow, posing a risk of flash floods in downstream areas. Cold lava flowing from the peak of Merapi poses a direct threat to surrounding settlements. Lava pathways have become a focus of attention in disaster mitigation planning. Local communities often ignore early warnings due to their proximity to the mountain, which poses challenges in rapid evacuation when an eruption occurs. On the other hand, the social effects of the Merapi eruption were felt by the community. Many families lost their homes and livelihoods. Post-eruption rehabilitation programs, often supported by governments and non-governmental organizations, serve to help communities. However, the recovery process takes a long time and often does not fully restore its original condition. Public health is also impacted. Exposure to volcanic ash can cause respiratory problems, while a lack of clean water is a major problem after the disaster. Most wells are contaminated, forcing communities to rely on outside help to provide clean water. Apart from its negative impact, the eruption of Merapi also brought positive social changes, such as solidarity between residents. Communities often work together to help each other, utilizing local resources to rebuild their lives. Disaster education programs have also been strengthened, increasing community awareness and preparedness for the future. Along with that, tourism is also experiencing an impact. Even though the eruption poses challenges, interest in exploring the Merapi area is increasing. Tourists come to witness natural beauty combined with cultural uniqueness, such as the community’s thanksgiving ceremony after the eruption. This creates a new source of income for the community. In a broader perspective, the impact of Mount Merapi reminds us of the complex relationship between humans and nature. Local communities continue to learn and adapt to this situation, showing extraordinary resilience despite ongoing challenges. Through understanding and preparedness, it is hoped that we can minimize the negative impacts caused by volcanic activity in the future.
