Perhutani Forest Management Unit (KPH) North Kedu has taken proactive measures by strengthening synergy with the managers of Basecamp Stinkpala for the Mount Sumbing hiking trail via Garung. The coordination meeting held in early July aims to align their vision in managing hiking activities, particularly in handling the spike in visitors during the long holiday period.
Administrator of KPH North Kedu, Andrie Syailendra, emphasized the importance of cross-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the natural tourism ecosystem. According to him, sound hiking management includes setting visitor quotas, mitigating safety risks, and strictly monitoring environmental cleanliness along the trail.
Furthermore, Andrie explained that regulating hiking quotas is a crucial instrument to maintain environmental carrying capacity. By limiting the number of hikers according to trail capacity, potential forest damage can be minimized. Beyond technical aspects, Perhutani continues to urge hikers to foster ecological awareness, including the obligation to bring back their trash from the summit down to the base.
Responding to the initiative, Head of Basecamp Stinkpala, Andi Setiawan, expressed full commitment to supporting the established standard operating procedures. His team will intensify education for every hiker regarding safety rules and the importance of forest conservation during the predicted surge in visits.
Ongoing collaboration between Perhutani, basecamp managers, and volunteers is expected to create a more orderly and responsible hiking ecosystem. This synergy aims not only to enhance tourist comfort but also to ensure the preservation of Mount Sumbing as a natural asset to be protected for the future.
