| dc.description.abstract | This article aims to discuss the religious-ecological knowledge of the Tenggerese
community on the slope of Mount Bromo, Probolinggo (East Java, Indonesia) and
its contribution to disaster mitigation. Within the framework of traditional ecological knowledge, we will analyze field data from 2011 until 2016. The results of
this study show that many Tenggerese people believe Mount Bromo to be the axis
of religion and its surrounding area to be a sacred place. They also believe in and
practice several religious-ecological customs in understanding volcanic eruptions
and various natural signs. For them, an eruption is a supernatural process involving
gods and goddesses that takes place to improve living conditions. However, living
in postcolonial times with modern cultures and capitalistic agricultural practices has
made some Tenggerese people question and challenge religious authorities when
they experience the economic damage caused by volcanic eruptions. Religious
authorities can handle the challenge by invoking the concept of communal harmony.
Further, we argue, government agencies may incorporate Tenggerese religiousecological knowledge into disaster mitigation practices. They can combine modern
mitigation mechanisms with such wisdom. This hybrid mitigation model may facilitate the coordination of government agencies with traditional leaders to prepare
strategically before a disaster strikes as well as implement tactical actions when a
disaster occurs. | en_US |
