Mount Semeru, as the highest volcano on the island of Java, not only presents a magnificent natural panorama, but also holds the potential threat of disaster that continues to lurk the surrounding community. Eruptive phenomena, hot cloud drops, and cold lava flows are natural cycles of volcanoes that cannot be predicted in absolute terms. Therefore, the vigilance of the community in the Semeru Slope area is a necessity, not an option.
Geologically, Semeru is classified as an active volcano with almost constant volcanic activity. This condition causes the potential danger of eruption can appear at any time, with varying degrees of escalation. Based on perspective disaster risk reduction, mitigation can only be effective when people have high awareness and vigilance. Lack of preparedness actually has the potential to increase social, economic, and psychological vulnerability when disasters actually occur.
Furthermore, vigilance is also related to the sociocultural dimension. Many people around Semeru depend their lives on agriculture, livestock, to the tourism sector. Emotional and economic attachment to the homeland makes relocation not an easy option. Therefore, building a culture of vigilance through disaster education, early warning systems, and local wisdom is an important foundation in maintaining safety together.
Thus, the people around Mount Semeru are required to not only enjoy its natural beauty, but also always be aware of the potential threats inherent. Continuous vigilance is a form of adaptation as well as a survival strategy in the face of inevitable natural dynamics. (Red/Ilustrasi generated by Gemini)
