RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The story of Mbah Marijan, the legendary guardian of Mount Merapi, remains one of Indonesia’s most unforgettable disaster narratives more than a decade after the deadly 2010 eruption. Revered by communities living on the slopes of the volcano, Mbah Marijan became a symbol of loyalty, spirituality, and courage after refusing to evacuate during one of the country’s worst volcanic disasters.
His death during the Mount Merapi eruption shocked Indonesia and drew international attention to the unique cultural traditions surrounding the active volcano in Central Java and Yogyakarta. Many residents viewed Mbah Marijan not only as a caretaker of the mountain but also as a spiritual figure whose words often carried more weight than official warnings.
The 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands, but the image of Mbah Marijan found in a prayer position inside his home became the defining memory of the catastrophe.
The Spiritual Guardian of Mount Merapi
Mbah Marijan, whose real name was Mas Ngabehi Surakso Hargo, was born in Kinahrejo, a village on the southern slope of Mount Merapi in Sleman, Yogyakarta. He officially became the volcano’s juru kunci, or gatekeeper, in 1983 after being appointed by the Yogyakarta Palace under the authority of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX.
The role of a juru kunci carries deep spiritual significance in Javanese culture. The guardian serves as a bridge between local communities, the royal palace, and the mystical beliefs surrounding Mount Merapi. For centuries, the volcano has been linked to the spiritual axis connecting Merapi, the Yogyakarta Palace, and the Southern Sea.
Local residents believed Mbah Marijan possessed extraordinary intuition about the volcano’s activity. He closely observed changes in wind direction, animal behavior, underground rumbling, and smoke patterns without relying on scientific equipment.
Despite his reputation, Mbah Marijan repeatedly insisted that only God truly knew when Mount Merapi would erupt.
“I am only an ordinary person. Everything is the will of Allah,” he often told villagers.
Why Residents Trusted Mbah Marijan Over Officials
The influence of Mbah Marijan became especially visible during the 2006 Mount Merapi crisis. At the time, volcanic activity intensified rapidly, prompting authorities and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X to urge evacuations across vulnerable areas.
However, Mbah Marijan chose to remain in his village, saying the volcano would not unleash a catastrophic eruption. His decision convinced many residents to stay behind rather than move to emergency shelters.
Unexpectedly, the eruption in 2006 proved less destructive than experts had predicted. Lava flows and hot clouds occurred, but the feared large-scale explosion never materialized. The incident strengthened public trust in Mbah Marijan and elevated his status even further among Merapi communities.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and contains around 127 active volcanoes, representing roughly 13% of the world’s volcanoes. Among them, Mount Merapi is considered one of the country’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, with eruptions occurring every two to five years.
Historical records and geological studies suggest Merapi has existed for around 400,000 years. Archaeologists from Universitas Gadjah Mada have also linked ancient eruptions to major shifts in Javanese civilization, including the movement of political centers from Central Java to East Java centuries ago.
The Final Hours Before the 2010 Disaster
Volcanic activity at Mount Merapi intensified again in September 2010. By October 25, authorities raised the alert status to its highest level as lava flows, thick ash clouds, and deadly pyroclastic currents began descending the mountain.
Thousands of residents evacuated immediately. Yet Mbah Marijan once again refused to leave his home.
Unlike in 2006, however, he instructed villagers and even his own family members to evacuate quickly. According to accounts from his son, Mbah Marijan calmly remained behind while continuing to pray and fulfill what he considered his sacred duty as guardian of the mountain.
On the evening of October 26, 2010, Merapi unleashed a massive eruption. Pyroclastic flows, known locally as wedus gembel, swept through villages near the volcano.
The following day, rescue teams discovered Mbah Marijan dead inside his home in a kneeling prayer position near his room. Medical examinations later concluded that he died from exposure to extreme heat reaching hundreds of degrees Celsius rather than direct impact from the pyroclastic flow itself.
His death transformed Mbah Marijan into a national icon of devotion and sacrifice.
Following the tragedy, the Yogyakarta Palace appointed his son, Asih, as the next guardian of Mount Merapi. Even today, Mbah Marijan remains deeply respected across Indonesia, not only for his role as the volcano’s gatekeeper but also for his humility, religious devotion, and unwavering commitment to the people living beneath Mount Merapi.