The East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has issued a stern warning to hikers planning to climb Mount Argopuro, or the Hyang Plateau Wildlife Reserve. This action follows a surge in reports regarding ticket sales scams that have harmed many hikers.
Head of East Java BKSDA, Nur Patria, revealed that this criminal scheme was uncovered when several hikers were caught carrying fake tickets during verification at the hiking post. These tickets were not recorded in the official system, rendering them invalid by officers on duty.
According to Nur Patria, the fraudsters usually pose as 'open trip' service providers. They offer convenient ticket booking services but instead supply self-made fake tickets. As a result, victimized hikers are forced to re-register independently on-site to continue their climb.
BKSDA emphasized that all hiking administrative processes must be conducted through the official 'AyoTamanNasional' platform belonging to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The public is urged not to use third-party intermediaries to ensure data security and ticket validity.
As a solution, BKSDA advises hikers to create a personal account on the official website. By having an independent account, hikers not only avoid the risk of scams but also gain more flexible access to register for hikes at various other mountains across Indonesia.
