As part of the Short Course Program between Western Sydney University (WSU) and Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), participants took part in an educational visit to the Merapi Volcano Museum and a Lava Tour in the Mount Merapi area. The activity served as a follow-up to the morning workshop titled “(Poly)Crisis in Indonesia: Understanding the Yogyakarta Paradox: Socio-Economic Dynamics, Happiness, and Mental Health” and provided participants with a deeper understanding of how communities adapt and build resilience in the face of natural disasters.

The program involved students and lecturers from Western Sydney University, accompanied by the UNY Office of International Affairs and Partnerships. The visit began at the Merapi Volcano Museum, where participants explored the geological history of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Through museum collections, interactive media, and educational displays, they learned about Merapi’s eruption cycles, disaster mitigation efforts, and the close relationship between local communities and the surrounding volcanic environment.

Secretary of the UNY Office of International Affairs and Partnerships, Prof. Anita Triastuti, S.Pd., M.A., emphasized that field-based learning is an essential part of international academic experiences, as it not only enriches academic knowledge but also strengthens intercultural understanding.

Beyond understanding the physical impacts of volcanic activity, participants were also introduced to the cultural and spiritual values associated with Mount Merapi. Discussions during the visit highlighted how local communities have developed traditions, beliefs, and adaptation mechanisms that allow them to coexist with the volcano over generations. This perspective demonstrated that crises affect not only the environment, but also the social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of community life.

Following the museum visit, the program continued with a Lava Tour using off-road jeeps that took participants through several iconic sites in the Merapi area. The journey across rocky tracks, small streams, and volcanic landscapes formed by past eruptions became a memorable hands-on learning experience. Participants visited locations affected by eruptions and received direct explanations about environmental changes caused by volcanic activity. Combined with the excitement of off-road travel and the dramatic natural scenery, the activity offered both educational value and a strong sense of adventure.

Through activities such as the Merapi Museum visit and Lava Tour, UNY continues to provide learning experiences that connect academic theory with real-life conditions in the field. The program is expected to broaden participants’ understanding of community resilience, sustainability, and crisis adaptation, while also strengthening international collaboration and cross-cultural learning between UNY and Western Sydney University. The initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).