Ritual Communication and Disasters Preparedness in the Slope of Merapi Volcano

Abstract

This paper explores how ritual communication as cultural behavior in the slopes of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Symbolic interactionism theory is used to understand the forms and meanings of ritual communication that are associated with disaster preparation through qualitative research. The unique culture in each region is the reason for using the case study approach in this research. This type of research is qualitative research with a case study approach. Informants were selected using a snowball sampling technique of three people. Data were collected using in-depth interview and observation techniques. The results of the analysis of aspects of symbolic interactionism namely action, gesture, significant symbols, mind, self and society show the performances of ketoprak and dances Kukiloyakso, Kenduri Suro, Kenduri Kupatan and Dandan Kali Deles were ritual communication related to preparation for disaster in Sidorejo Village. The ritual communication carried out by the residents of Sidorejo Village was an ancestral heritage, but residents continue to reproduce meaning so that there were changes in each ritual communication procession. There were three meanings relating to disaster preparedness, namely the presence of danger signs, respect for animals and conservation of springs. These three meanings were the trust as well as guidelines for residents in living side by side with Mount Merapi.