Risk perception analysis of the population in sustainable disaster management plan: a case study of Mount Merapi eruption in Yogyakarta

Abstract

The risk concept in the realm of natural disasters in several countries such as earthquakes, fires, floods and volcanoes shows the difference between the perspectives of the population on the risks and the principles of the normative decision theory. This study aims to determine the conception and behaviour of the population on the risk of Mount Merapi as a study to manage a sustainable disaster management system. This research uses an exploratory retrospective view approach, utilizes survey and questionnaire as its research instruments. The questionnaire consisted of four categories based on the literature study, which include the respondent profile, risk definition, risk perception, and risk action. The sampling technique used is a multi-stage stratified convenience sampling (n = 300, response rate = 91%). Its stratification is the disaster-prone areas (DPA) and the population gender. The results showed that most respondents perceived risk as a consequence, in contrast to the normative theory. Respondents in DPA III have a tendency of risk attitude as risk moderate, while respondents in DPA II have a risk-averse tendency. In relation to the respondent behaviour during eruption, it was found that DPA and gender differences showed different respondents' response in facing Mount Merapi eruption disaster in terms of the evacuation time, the action when hearing the warning sign, the evacuation route being followed, and the willingness to help others.