The South Solok Regency Government has officially established a strategic collaboration with the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) Center. This partnership, bound by a four-year agreement, aims to develop a hiking trail to Mount Kerinci, with access crossing the South Solok region in West Sumatra.
This step was taken as part of local government efforts to diversify natural tourism destinations while positively impacting the local economy. With the opening of this new trail, it is expected that MSMEs, tourism service providers, and lodging operators around the area will experience significant economic growth.
The Regent of South Solok, Khairunas, emphasized that this development will strictly adhere to environmental preservation principles. According to him, the utilization of the National Park area must be carried out responsibly to ensure the ecosystem remains protected, while the local community gains sustainable economic benefits.
The scope of the cooperation includes the construction of supporting infrastructure, improvement of the hiking trail, and strengthening tourism promotion. Both parties are currently drafting the Program Implementation Plan (RPP) and the Annual Work Plan (RKT) as technical operational guidelines for the next three months.
The presence of this hiking trail is expected to position South Solok as a major alternative gateway for adventurers wishing to climb Mount Kerinci. Through synergy between the government, the TNKS management, and the local community, the South Solok Regency Government is optimistic about creating a leading ecotourism destination with a broad impact on the welfare of local residents.
