Gunung Merapi National Park, National park at Musuk, Indonesia

Gunung Merapi National Park is a protected area in Musuk that encompasses an active volcano and surrounding forests spanning Yogyakarta and Central Java. The area is organized through several management zones that allow visitors to access different parts of the park.

The forests on Gunung Merapi were designated a protected area in 1931 to safeguard water sources and rivers for Sleman, Yogyakarta, Klaten, Boyolali and Magelang. The national park itself was only established by ministerial decree 134/Menhut-II/2004 of 4 May 2004, covering about 6,410 ha. Until a dedicated park authority is formed, it is managed by the Yogyakarta conservation office (BKSDA).

Local communities practice traditional rituals that reflect their generations of living alongside this active volcano. These customs remain visible today and show how people maintain their deep connection to the mountain.

The area has multiple entry points spread across different zones that offer varied experiences. Visitors should know that the mountain is active and conditions can change depending on weather and volcanic activity.

The park's forests form the headwaters of three river systems: the Progo to the west, the Opak to the south and the Bengawan Solo to the east. About 27 rivers around Merapi drain into them. The Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) and the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) live in these forests.