The Mount Merapi National Park Agency (TNGM) is developing a new strategy to reduce illegal hiking activities that still frequently occur in the Mount Merapi area. Rather than deploying armed security personnel for strict guarding, the management prefers a persuasive dialogue approach to engage local community participation.
Head of TNGM Agency, Heri Wibowo, admitted that various official appeals from relevant authorities, including DIY Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), have not been fully heeded by hikers. This phenomenon is a serious concern given that Mount Merapi's volcanic activity status remains at Level III or Alert (Siaga).
According to Heri, involving TNI (military) and Polri (police) officers is indeed an available technical option. However, such a move is considered to offer only a short-term solution and could potentially trigger social friction or horizontal conflict with surrounding communities. Therefore, quiet approaches and in-depth discussions with local residents are seen as more effective and sustainable steps.
In addition to territorial factors, a major challenge faced by TNGM is the behavior of hikers who tend to ignore safety risks. Heri highlighted that many hikers remain reckless and insist on reaching the summit despite knowing the mountain's danger status. This often irrational character of hikers makes field enforcement efforts increasingly challenging.
Currently, field officers remain on standby at the Selo Resort office while continuing to build intensive communication with residents. This step was taken as a self-restraint effort to maintain regional security stability while prioritizing disaster mitigation based on collective awareness.
