River Management and Community-Driven Tourism: Harnessing Cultural Ecosystem Services at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

Merapi is known as one of the world’s most active and densely populated volcanoes. Despite the constant threat it poses, local residents continue to live on its slopes, largely because of the vital ecosystem services that support their livelihoods. One of the cultural ecosystem services provided by the rivers around Merapi volcano is recreation, including at Krasak river which has been impacted by Merapi's eruptions from 2010 to 2023. This study aims to identify the development of tourism destination along the Krasak River as part of ecosystem services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the head and representatives of the Grojogan Watu Purbo management team in Merdikorejo village, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Content analysis was used to examine the operation of the site and its connection to local knowledge of the river. The research findings show that the community tried to seek alternative sources of income by utilizing the beauty of the sabo dam built in their village. Since 2017, they prepared this tourist spot and in 2019, visitors began to arrive. Many visitors come to enjoy the view of the cascading waterfalls created by the sabo dam on the Krasak river, especially for taking selfies and enjoying the sunset in the countryside. For safety reasons, a simple communication network has been established, involving the hamlet (dusun) head, management team, and operational staffs, to monitor the river’s flow, especially during heavy rainfall. The presence of water hyacinth or twigs carried by water is an indicator of high-water discharge, signalling the potential for flooding or lahar. The colour of the river water also reflects mining activities upstream. For them, the flow of the river is important in attracting the visitors. Although they do not have yet a specific program in river monitoring and conservation, they have already cooperated with Disaster Management Agency and Tourism Agency in Regency level in terms of Early Warning System and site management. Strengthening communication and cooperation with other tourism managers along the Krasak River and involving communities in neighbouring villages would be beneficial for the sustainable management of the volcanic river.