The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Center (BB TNBTS) has taken decisive action against a dozen climbers caught entering the Mount Semeru area through illegal routes. This action is part of the local authorities' commitment to maintaining the integrity of the conservation area while prioritizing the safety of climbers' lives, which are often neglected on forbidden paths.
The Head of BB TNBTS, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, emphasized that all climbing activities in closed areas, especially towards the summit of Mount Semeru, constitute a serious violation of national park management regulations. He urged the public to always comply with regulations to prevent the risk of fatal accidents in dangerous terrain.
The first arrest occurred at the Ranupani National Park Management Resort (RPTN) in Lumajang, involving two individuals who dared to cross the Ayek-Ayek route. Despite attempting to flee to residential plantation areas to evade officers' supervision, the two climbers were eventually apprehended thanks to the help of local residents.
The enforcement operation continued in the Taman Satriyan RPTN area, Ampelgading, Malang, where officers managed to apprehend 11 people from a group of 15 climbers. To date, joint officers are still conducting an intensive search for four other individuals, including a guide and a porter, who are suspected of still hiding in the vicinity.
Currently, the 13 apprehended individuals are undergoing in-depth examination and the preparation of investigation reports (BAP) by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum LHK) for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara Region. This process is conducted to investigate the motives of the violation and determine the appropriate legal sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
