The Dempo Volcano Registration Board (Brigade) has moved quickly to investigate a viral video showing a group of hikers allegedly carrying long-barreled weapons in the Mount Dempo area, Pagar Alam City, South Sumatra.
The uproar began with a post by a hiker from Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) Regency. Through social media, they shared an unpleasant experience when encountering the armed group while descending from the mountain peak, and even received harsh remarks.
Chairman of the Mount Dempo Brigade, Dian Mari, confirmed that they are tracing visitor registration data at the official post to identify the group. They are also anticipating the possibility that the group entered without permission or did not register beforehand.
Dian emphasized that carrying weapons into a protected forest area is a serious violation as it endangers the safety of other hikers and threatens wildlife habitats. Strict sanctions are guaranteed to await the perpetrators if proven to have committed the violation.
To strengthen surveillance on the climbing routes, the Brigade is now coordinating closely with the local Forest Rangers (Polhut). The public is also urged not to speculate excessively and to immediately report any suspicious activity to officers on the ground.
