KEDIRI – The decline in tourist visits to the iconic destination of Mount Kelud has sparked concern among East Java legislators. Member of the East Java Provincial Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Wara Sundari Renny Pramana, urged the Kediri Regency Government (Pemkab) to immediately intervene and fix accessibility issues and high local transport fares in the tourism area.
This aspiration strongly emerged when the Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan Faction of the East Java DPRD held a recess (jaring aspirasi) in Jagul Village, Ngancar District, Kediri Regency. The meeting was attended by residents from three districts, namely Ngancar, Wates, and Plosoklaten, most of whom rely on the Mount Kelud tourism sector for their livelihood.
The senior politician, affectionately known as Bunda Renny, highlighted that the high cost of motorcycle taxis (ojek) from the main gate to the crater area is one of the main obstacles complained about by tourists. This high additional cost is deemed burdensome for visitors, causing the natural destination to lose its appeal compared to its heyday.
To resolve this issue, Renny stated her commitment to coordinate directly with the Regent of Kediri and the local Tourism Office. According to her, the improvement of transportation management can no longer be delayed to restore the comfort of tourists visiting one of East Java's main natural tourism icons.
She also emphasized the importance of synergy between the local government, tourism operators, and the community in restoring the reputation of Mount Kelud. Renny is optimistic that with improvements in the service sector and more rational fare adjustments, the economy of the people living on the slopes of the active volcano can be revitalized.
