Spending New Year's Eve At Mount Kerinci Is Still Allowed, As Long As You Must Fulfill These Conditions

JAMBI - The Kerinci Seblat National Park Center stated that climbing Mount Kerinci, Jambi, via Kersik Tuo, Kerinci Regency, was still open on New Year's Eve.

However, climbers are required to implement health protocols, such as carrying out a COVID-19 swab test and showing evidence of having been vaccinated.

"There hasn't been a new circular from the Great Hall (TNKS) to close the Kerinci (mountain) climb on New Year's Eve, but a swab test must be done and show evidence of having been vaccinated," said Head of Section I Kerinci Seblat National Park Management Kerinci Nurhamidi when contacted from Padang Aro, Antara, Wednesday, December 29.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of visitors or climbers to the mountain has been reduced by 50 percent.

Although the pandemic hit, he said, did not reduce the desire of climbers to conquer the highest volcano in Indonesia. "Every day there is still climbing," he said.

Regarding climbing on New Year's Eve, a number of climbers from outside the area have signed up.

"When registering ascent, all items brought by climbers are checked, including masks. Climbers are also not prohibited from bringing drugs and liquor during the ascent," he said.

The status of the highest mountain in Sumatra since 2007 is still on level II alert. As a result, climbers are advised not to approach the summit. "We convey an appeal from the Volcano Observation Post that the status of Mount Kerinci is still on level two alert, so it is recommended not to approach the peak," he said.