The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Management (BBTNBTS) has once again taken firm action against hikers who recklessly broke through illegal trails in the Mount Semeru area. A total of 13 people were reportedly secured in two monitoring operations held in the National Park Management Resort (RPTN) regions of Ranupani and Taman Satriyan.
Head of BBTNBTS, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, explained that two hikers were arrested in Ranupani Village after attempting to cross the Ayek-Ayek route. Meanwhile, 11 others were apprehended in the Purbakala area, Ampelgading District, Malang Regency. Currently, a joint team is still pursuing four other individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal hiking group on the southern slope of the mountain.
All detained individuals are currently undergoing intensive questioning and the Official Investigation Report (BAP) process by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency of Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara. This legal action was taken to investigate the motives behind the violations and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable conservation regulations.
BBTNBTS emphasized that Mount Semeru remains at Level III (Alert) status. Climbing activities to the summit are strictly prohibited for safety reasons, and tourist visits are limited to the Ranu Kumbolo area via designated official routes.
This decisive action follows a severe sanction in the form of a five-year blacklist previously imposed on three illegal hikers who suffered an accident in a ravine in early June. National park authorities reminded hikers once again not to ignore safety procedures, given the high risks in an active volcanic mountain zone.
