Garbage Emergency! The Mount Gede Climbing Line Is Completely Closed

CIANJUR - The condition of piles of garbage on the hiking trail to the Suryakencana Square area of Mount Gede is increasingly concerning. Garbage scattered and even mountained at several points in the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP) area, and is now widely discussed on social media.

Head of the TNGGP Center, Arief Mahmud, explained that the temporary closure policy includes three climbing routes, namely Cibodas, Gunung Putri, and Selabintana. The closure will be carried out until the entire evaluation and repair process is completed.

"We take this step as a momentum to improve the climbing management system and realize the Zero Waste Mount Climbing Tourism program in 2025," said Arief in his statement, Monday, October 13.

According to Arief, the accumulation of garbage along the hiking trail is one of the main factors in closing. During the closing period, his party will carry out three main agendas.

First, actions to clean up trash in all hiking trails by involving officers, nature lovers community, academics, and business actors in the outdoor sector.

Second, improving climbing governance, including the licensing and supervision system which will now be strengthened through the Ready Gepang application.

Third, the revitalization of climbing services through strengthening the capacity of guides and education for climbers through the 'Smart Climbers' program, which emphasizes the importance of concern for nature's sustainability.

"We make sure that the new climb will reopen after all stages of improvement are completed. The official announcement will be made through the website and social media www.gepangrango.org," he explained.

Meanwhile, prospective climbers who have registered online can apply for a refund or reschedule in accordance with the instructions sent via their respective e-mails.

"We invite the public to support this step in order to create a more orderly, clean, and sustainable climbing," he concluded.