The increasing frequency and intensity of volcanic disasters present major challenges for rural communities, particularly in terms of recovery and the restoration of environmental conditions post-crisis. Despite extensive disaster management literature, gaps remain in understanding the social dynamics and historical experiences of rural populations affected by volcanic eruptions. This study investigates the role of co-production as a mitigation strategy to enhance community resilience and improve disaster response in volcano-prone rural areas. The research focuses on two rural villages in Indonesia: Pandansari, located on the slopes of Mount Kelud in Malang Regency, and Kemiren, situated on the slopes of Mount Merapi in Magelang Regency. A qualitative research paradigm was employed, using a life history approach to collect in-depth narratives from community members. Sixteen participants were purposively selected across both villages. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Findings indicate that local knowledge systems play a critical role in shaping community behaviours and responses to volcanic disasters. These systems enable communities to mobilise public goods and restore livelihoods in ways that reflect pre-disaster norms and conditions. Integrating co-production strategies into disaster management practices can significantly improve community resilience and the effectiveness of response mechanisms.
Contribution: This study advances the understanding of how historical context and local knowledge inform disaster responses in rural settings, offering practical implications for participatory and community-based disaster risk reduction.
Keywords: building trust; co-production; knowledge; mitigation; post-eruption; volcano.
© 2025. The Authors.