Human-landscape interaction in the merapi volcanic region during the classical javanese era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/geografi.vol13.1.10.2025Keywords:
Human-landscape interaction, Merapi volcano, Javanese society, TemplesAbstract
Java, Indonesia, is one of the regions in the world that has shown human-environment interaction in volcanic landscapes since the classical era in medieval times. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the history of human-landscape interaction in Hindu-Buddhist Java 14 centuries ago. This study combines geography and history approaches. The data collected includes secondary and primary data through various data collection activities, namely literature study, document analysis, and observation. Data were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems, namely buffering and overlay techniques, supported by descriptive and historical analysis. Temples were used as a proxy to identify past settlements. There are two significant findings from this study. First, humans utilize the potential of natural resources as a form of human-landscape interaction. The utilization of natural resources is indicated by temples built close to rivers and springs and flat land in the volcanic plain. Secondly, the lives of ancient people were not free from natural disasters. This is indicated by temples that were damaged and buried by volcanic materials from the Merapi eruption. In summary, this study provides alternative information about human-landscape interaction in ancient Javanese society in the active volcanic environment of Merapi. Also, this research contributes new insights that communities living close to the main river channels are at greater risk of being affected by the dangers of the Merapi eruption. Reflection of these findings contributes to current disaster research, especially in the Merapi volcano area.
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