Tourists’ Perception on Volcanic Hazard and Risk in Guci Hot Spring, Slamet Volcano, Indonesia

Abstract

Guci Hot Spring is one of the tourist destinations in Central Java Province renowned for its beautiful scenery as well as its health-healing benefit. In 2016, this touristic destination attracted more than 650.000 visitors, this number is growing each year. However, this touristic spot has its hidden hazard and risk of the Slamet Volcano eruption. The historical eruptions of this volcano, recorded since the 18th century, have shown that this volcano is known for its explosive type of eruption. Despite its potential hazard and risk, this hot spring area is growing continuously as a touristic spot. Therefore, this study aims to understand tourists’ perception on volcanic hazard and risk in this area, by interviewing 31 respondents using questionnaires. The results show that 74% of respondents are aware that Slamet Volcano has different potential hazards such as volcanic ashfall, lahars, lava and pyroclastic flows. Although Guci Hot Spring is located in Slamet volcanic hazard area, only a few tourists know this information (42%). Majorities of the respondents did not have any experience on volcanic disaster (68%). Most of the respondents did not get any information on Slamet volcanic hazard (58%), while others only get information through television and/or social media. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents claimed that they will follow any instructions given by government or related institutions if any volcanic eruption occurs (97%). Therefore, awareness program towards tourists in the volcanic touristic spot should be strengthened through different means to give information on volcanic hazard, its risk as well as mitigation and crisis management.