Welcoming the celebration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the Mount Kahung ecotourism area in Belangian Village, Banjar Regency, will host a large-scale environmental action. As many as 200 hikers from various communities are scheduled to participate in an event titled the Kahung Anti-Trash Movement (GAS), taking place from August 15 to 18, 2026.
Unlike conventional celebrations, the hikers scaling the height of 1,456 meters above sea level are equipped with a special mission to clear the hiking trail of inorganic waste. The Chairman of Pokdarwis Kahung Raya, Hendri Hidayat, stated that this initiative is an expression of the spirit of independence through concrete action to preserve the mountain ecosystem from the threat of plastic pollution and drink bottles.
As a form of support, the committee has prepared supporting facilities, including a free motorcycle taxi service to help participants carry the collected waste down to the management point. In addition to cleaning the area, the event series includes eco-camping activities, a digital educational content competition, and a flag ceremony at the mountain summit adhering to the *Zero Waste* principle.
The Head of Belangian Village, Aunul Khoir, fully appreciated this movement. He considers that collaborative steps between nature lover communities, the local government, and related agencies such as Geopark Meratus are crucial in shaping a more environmentally conscious hiking culture in the future.
High hopes are held that this action will not merely be an annual ceremony, but will trigger collective awareness. By fostering the habit of bringing garbage back down, Mount Kahung is expected to remain preserved as a clean tourist destination, while setting an example for other hiking areas in Indonesia.
