Hiking activity on Mount Merapi via the Selo route in Boyolali Regency, Central Java, has once again come into the spotlight following video recordings circulating on social media showing high enthusiasm among hikers. This phenomenon has raised concerns as it is taking place while Mount Merapi remains at Level III or Alert status.
Head of the Mount Merapi National Park Office (BTNGM), Heri Wibowo, expressed regret over the attitude of hikers who appear to ignore various warnings. According to him, appeals from various parties—ranging from technical agencies like BPPTKG and BNPB to regional figures such as Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X—seem to be disregarded by the public and hikers who recklessly trespass into forbidden areas.
Facing this situation, national park authorities have chosen not to take repressive action. Heri stated that a persuasive approach through dialogue with local residents is considered more effective to avoid potential horizontal conflicts that might arise if security personnel, such as the TNI and Polri, were deployed to forcibly guard the hiking route.
BTNGM plans to hold a closed meeting with the local community soon to find a joint solution regarding the rise in illegal activities. Until now, field officers remain stationed in the Selo area to provide education and a humanistic approach to anyone attempting to hike.
For context, hiking Mount Merapi has been advised against since the volcano's status was upgraded from Advisory (Waspada) to Alert (Siaga) in November 2020. This ban excludes certain essential activities, such as scientific research or disaster mitigation requiring special access to the area.
