Perhutani Forest Management Unit (KPH) Kedu Utara has established a strategic collaboration with the manager of Mount Kembang Basecamp via Lengkong to intensify surveillance along the hiking trail. This preventive measure, which took place on Saturday (4/7), targeted the forest area in the Sigedang Forest Management Resort (RPH) region, Wonosobo, in response to the increasing number of tourist visits during the holiday season.
During the patrol, the joint team not only ensured the feasibility and safety of the hiking trail infrastructure but also actively educated hikers. The main focus of this socialization included the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and high vigilance against the threat of forest and land fires (karhutla). Hikers were urged not to throw cigarette butts carelessly and to avoid any activities involving lighting fires.
Head of the Wonosobo Forest Management Sub-Unit (BKPH), Naufal Rafif, emphasized that this synergy represents Perhutani's commitment to prioritizing visitor safety while preserving the forest ecosystem. According to him, utilizing the forest area as a tourist destination must remain aligned with sustainable conservation principles.
Furthermore, tourism activities on Mount Kembang are recognized as providing a significant economic impact for the local community through transportation services, hiking equipment rentals, and the provision of accommodation. The presence of these routine patrols is expected to maintain a conducive tourism climate, ensuring that the economic benefits felt by local residents can last in the long term.
Appreciation for this step was expressed by the basecamp manager, Alfian, who assessed that the collaboration is highly effective in increasing hiker awareness. By maintaining safety and environmental preservation in the Mount Kembang area, it is hoped that tourist confidence will continue to rise, ultimately strengthening nature-based tourism growth in the region.
