Sustainable Livelihood Diversification in The Merapi Volcano Disaster-Prone Area

The Merapi volcano area is inherently disaster-prone, given the constant risk of eruptions capable of disrupting lives. Mitigating this vulnerability requires diversifying livelihoods, as the choices people make in their means of living significantly impact community resilience both during and after disasters. A significant challenge lies in the fact that many individuals in such areas predominantly rely on agriculture, a livelihood susceptible to the impact of eruptions. The research aims to delineate community livelihood sources and analyze the social, human, financial, natural, and physical capital within these disaster-prone areas. In Mount Merapi’s Balerante area, diversifying livelihood sources emerges as a vital survival strategy. Leveraging sustainable agriculture, MSME development, and responsible tourism allows the community to mitigate economic risks and enhance overall welfare. The transformation towards a sustainable livelihood system depends on various resources, each playing a distinct role. Social capital, characterized by trust, networks, and norms, forms the bedrock for cooperation and support during evacuation and recovery in Balerante. Human capital is nurtured through disaster preparedness training and guidance from local authorities, enhancing the community’s ability to respond effectively to disasters. Financial capital remains robust, with families diversifying income sources and allocating savings for various purposes. Natural capital, particularly land and water, proves crucial for community livelihoods, with responsible management and conservation being integral for disaster risk reduction. Physical capital, encompassing evacuation routes and early warning systems, facilitates efficient disaster response and preparedness. To anticipate resource trends and foster sustainable recovery, communities should prioritize disaster awareness, responsible utilization of natural resources, and livelihood diversification.