DIY's Young Generation Becomes Guardians of Merapi, Prepares Innovation to Face the Threat of Cold Lava

YOGYAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – The young generation of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) is encouraged to take a real role in protecting the Mount Merapi ecosystem while strengthening preparedness to face the threat of cold lava floods.

This effort was carried out by the Ministry of Forestry through the Forest Conservation Generation Development Center (Pusgenri), the Human Resources Extension and Development Agency (BP2SDM), together with the Yogyakarta Social Forestry Center through the Forest Youthverse Resilience Summit DIY Region.

The activity which took place in Yogyakarta on Friday, September 18 2026, had the theme "Forest Guardians of Merapi: Youth in Action Against Cold Lava Floods".

Through the Action Day session, participants learned about the condition of the Merapi slope ecosystem, the threat of cold lava floods, and the importance of restoring the area to reduce the risk of ecological disasters. This understanding was then developed into collaborative ideas and actions on the second day of the activity.

Head of Pusgenri Luckmi Purwandari said the younger generation had great potential to become guardians of Merapi. Therefore, they need to get space and support to get involved directly.

"The younger generation has great potential to become Forest Guardians of Merapi. We not only encourage them to understand the ecosystem, but also equip them to produce real solutions and collaborative action in facing the threat of cold lava disasters," said Luckmi.

Merapi Smart Tourism Board

On the second day, participants translated the spirit of "Get to know Merapi, its history, enjoy its tourism" into a number of innovative ideas.

One of the innovations being developed is the Merapi Smart Tourism Board, a tourist information media that combines area maps, Merapi history, tourist destinations, visitor needs, animated characters, videos and QR codes.

This code will connect tourists with various digital information about the Merapi area. This innovation is expected to not only help visitors recognize the destination, but also increase understanding of the history and ecological value of Merapi.

Genries DIY, Gayatri, explained that the concept was born from the collaboration of participants with various expertise backgrounds, ranging from land, tourism, psychology, animation, to broadcasting.

"The advantage of the Merapi Smart Tourism Board lies in its collaboration. We don't just create maps or information media, but try to look at tourists' needs from various angles, starting from location information, history, travel experiences, to how the information is packaged to make it interesting and easy to access," said Gayatri.

He hopes that tourists will not only come to enjoy the panorama of Merapi, but also get to know its history and understand the importance of preserving the area.

Young People's Creativity for Merapi Conservation

Head of the DIY Environment and Forestry Service, Kusno Wibowo, appreciated the participants' ideas which combined information, technology, creativity and tourist needs.

According to Kusno, this approach shows that the younger generation is able to present a new perspective in introducing the Merapi area while supporting efforts to preserve it.

The Forest Youthverse Resilience Summit is a space for young people to move from understanding to action. Through creativity and collaboration, they are encouraged to see Merapi not only as a tourist destination, but also as an area with historical and ecological value whose sustainability must be maintained.