TNBTS Clarifies Drone Ban, In The Aftermath Of The Viral Video Of Ladang Ganja In The Bromo Area

Balai Besar Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) memberikan klarifikasi terkait video viral yang beredar di media sosial mengenai penemuan ladang ganja di kawasan mereka.

The video showing footage of the drone shocked netizens and was linked to various TNBTS policies, including bans on drone flights and new rules on the obligation to use a climbing guide.

Head of the TNBTS Center, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, confirmed that the marijuana fields found were not located on the Mount Bromo tourist route or the Mount Semeru hiking trail.

"The location of the marijuana plant's findings is not on the Bromo or Semeru route, but on the east side of the TNBTS area," Rudi said in his official statement, Tuesday, March 18.

Rudi explained that the marijuana field was found in a joint operation involving the Lumajang Police, TNI, and Argosari Village officials on 18-21 September 2024.

The discovery area is very hidden because it is located in a dense forest area with leftnyu vegetation, gangsgens, and acacian children and is located on a steep slope.

"This place is difficult to access and far from tourist routes, so it has nothing to do with tourism policies in TNBTS," he added.

In addition to the cannabis field issue, the viral video is also linked to the ban on drone flights on the Mount Semeru hiking trail. TNBTS confirmed that the drone ban has been in effect since 2019 in accordance with SOP Number SOP.01/T.8/BIDTEK/BIDTEK.1/KSA/4/2019 concerning Mount Semeru Climbing.

"This ban is implemented to maintain the safety of climbers and avoid disturbances to the ecosystem and sacred areas around Mount Semeru," explained Rudi.

The policy of using climbing guides on Mount Semeru is a step to empower the surrounding community and aims to improve the experience of tourists. This assistance also serves as a risk mitigation effort for climbers.

Rudi also responded to news about the closure of the Mount Semeru hiking trail at the beginning of the year. He explained that the closure was a routine procedure carried out not only in TNBTS, but also in various other national parks that have hiking trails.

"In the beginning of the year, it often coincided with the rainy season, which brought high risks such as strong winds, storms, and landslides. Therefore, the closure was carried out for the safety of visitors," he said.

TNBTS invites the public to participate in preserving conservation areas and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.

"We hope that all parties can work together in preserving nature and supporting conservation policies for the sustainability of the ecosystem," concluded Rudi regarding the viral video of marijuana fields finding.