FMMH Restores Natural Ecosystems At Merapi Strengthens Residents' Disaster Mitigation

Mount Merapi/Photo: Antara

YOGYAKARTA - The Merapi Merbabu Hijau Forum seeks to restore the sustainability of natural ecosystems on the slopes of Mount Merapi by intensifying reforestation to strengthen eruption disaster mitigation based on local wisdom of local residents. said Green Merbabu Merapi Forum (FMMH) activist Lilik Rudiyanto in Yogyakarta, Thursday, May 12. According to Rudi, Merapi residents have had the ability to mitigate eruptions for generations, including observing natural signs. community if the balance of the natural ecosystem at the peak of Merapi is restored. Local wisdom or such traditional intelligence, according to him, is easier for local people to understand to improve preparedness. "Ordinary people, if we explain too scientifically, they don't understand," he was quoted as saying by Antara. One of the natural signs that is believed to be an early warning of the eruption of Merapi is the appearance of wild animals coming down from the top of the mountain. Entering the residential area, the community rushed to increase their preparedness because it meant that Merapi's activity was above normal.

However, now this phenomenon can no longer be a benchmark. This is because the animals that descend from the summit are no longer carrying messages about Merapi's activities, but are looking for food as the natural ecosystem is damaged as their habitat. After the 2010 eruption of Merapi, FMMH continues to maintain the balance of nature in the Merapi area by intensifying the periodic planting of thousands of plants in collaboration with the Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM). until pupo. "Every reforestation, we always involve residents and religious leaders in Merapi," he said. Not only planting, FMMH also conducts plant nurseries in collaboration with the Watershed Management Center (BPDAS) and the Serayu Opak Progo Protection Forest.