This paper has highlighted the need for an examination of culture as an element of vulnerability and concludes that at Mt Merapi the distinctive disaster sub-culture is increasing social vulnerability. Furthermore, this research has found that it is the more isolated and already socially vulnerable higher regions in the north-west that have a higher cultural vulnerability. In these regions the roads are poor and cross large rivers draining the volcano, and if a large eruption was to occur similar to the 1872 eruption these settlement would have little chance of evacuating quickly. These regions need the resources and awareness to prepare for an evacuation. The geographic, social and cultural vulnerability in the northwestern regions of Mt Merapi mean that these regions should be prioritized with regard to improved evacuation routes and means, warning alarms and intensive education outreach, where significant efforts should be encouraged on how to make the community be more receptive to scientific information of the imminent hazards. In the south the region surrounding Pelemsari was identified in this study as culturally vulnerable but tragically during the most recent eruption these regions were destroyed. Mbah Maridjan was killed after again refusing to evacuate on government orders and those who tried to persuade him to leave also perished. His body was found in the position of prayer. This research has provided an opportunity to improve understandings of volcanic culture at Mt Merapi and, through this, design ways in which qualitative information can improve risk assessments. Although the examination of complex vulnerabilities requires further development it is a subject that requires encouragement.